Department Launches Specialty Crop Survey for Grant Funding Priorities

Survey Deadline is February 9

St. Mary’s County Farmers market (Credit: Edwin Remsberg)

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is conducting a survey of Maryland’s specialty crop industries. The survey aims to create funding priorities for the department’s Specialty Crop Block Grant. Previous funding priorities included food safety, market enhancement and pest management. Deadline for the survey is February 9.  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. Visit the USDA website for a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops. Funding for the grant comes from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. Last year, the department received approximately $407,000 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 Specialty Crop Block Grant Survey, contact Karen Fedor at karen.fedor@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773.

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