MDA Announces New Specialty Crop Grant Program; Application Deadline is May 8

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced a competitive grant program to fund projects that solely enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program was established by the 2014 Farm Bill.

MDA will administer funds totaling approximately $340,000. Of this amount, Food Safety, Market Enhancement and Pest Management will be a priority for projects with a minimum level of $15,000.  MDA intends to fund projects that can produce the highest degree of measurable benefits to Maryland specialty crop producers in relation to each dollar spent and need to have the support from specialty crop producers.  Grants will be reimbursement grants.

Specialty crops are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.

MDA is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations, government entities, for-profit and organizations for projects that aim to promote or enhance the production of and access to Maryland specialty crops. Applicants must reside or their business or educational affiliation must be in Maryland.  Potential applicants are encouraged to call Karen Fedor at 410-841-5773 to discuss proposals.

Electronic grant applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on May 8, 2015. Paper applications must be postmarked by May 8, 2015.

For questions about the grant application or to download the application, contact Karen Fedor at Karen.fedor@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773.

###