MDA Launches Specialty Crop Survey to Create Grant Funding Priorities; Survey Deadline is February 25

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is conducting a survey of Maryland’s specialty crop industries. The survey aims to create funding priorities for MDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant. Previous funding priorities included food safety, market enhancement and pest management. Deadline for the survey is February 25, 2015.  Click here to access the online survey.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Click here for a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops. Funding for the grant came through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. Last year, MDA received approximately $450,000 in funds for the development of specialty crop projects that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland.

Anyone who produces a specialty crop, works with a specialty crop, or is otherwise associated with a specialty crop industry should participate in the survey. For more information on MDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Survey, contact Karen Fedor, Karen.fedor@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773.

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