{"id":9656,"date":"2014-05-08T12:14:54","date_gmt":"2014-05-08T16:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=9656"},"modified":"2014-05-09T15:35:49","modified_gmt":"2014-05-09T19:35:49","slug":"mda-announces-new-specialty-crop-grant-program-application-deadline-is-may-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2014\/05\/08\/mda-announces-new-specialty-crop-grant-program-application-deadline-is-may-29\/","title":{"rendered":"MDA ANNOUNCES NEW SPECIALTY CROP GRANT PROGRAM – Application Deadline is May 29"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"agday\"<\/a><\/b>ANNAPOLIS, MD <\/b>\u2013 The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced it is accepting applications through May 29 for a competitive grant program to fund projects that <\/span>solely<\/span><\/i> enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops..<\/span><\/p>\n

MDA will award $450,000 in grants for projects with a minimum level<\/span> of $15,000. Special consideration will be given to projects that address food safety, market products with Maryland\u2019s Best branding, and have efficient distribution systems. 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. Funded projects must have support from specialty crop producers. Grants will be reimbursement grants.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. \u00a0Click here<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span> for a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops.<\/p>\n

MDA is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations, government entities, and for-profit organizations for projects that\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Contact Karen Fedor, Program Coordinator, at Karen.fedor@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773 to discuss proposal ideas prior to the deadline.<\/p>\n

Electronic grant applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on May 29<\/span><\/strong>. Paper applications must be postmarked by May 29.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Grant guidelines and application instructions <\/strong>are available here<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>. To download the application<\/strong>, click here<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>, or for questions about the grant application, contact Karen Fedor at Karen.fedor@maryland.gov<\/a> or 410-841-5773.<\/p>\n

To view past grant recipients, visit the following:<\/p>\n