The Nevada Department of Agriculture is offering funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through the USDA. More than $273,500 is expected to be awarded to projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Nevada’s specialty crops.

Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).”“We are looking for projects that will enhance the production and competitiveness of specialty crop industries and products in Nevada,” said NDA agriculturist Alexa Johnson.Grant funds through this program have been used to establish various projects, including projects to help specialty crop producers achieve success in developing and marketing their products through the Women’s Farm to Food Accelerator Program, research projects to determine what bean varieties will grow well in Nevada climates through the University of Nevada, Reno, and education and outreach projects through Nevada Farm Bureau.Project proposals that promote and enhance specialty crops through research, marketing, education and production must have multiple beneficiaries and may not be used to benefit only one individual or organization.Individual agricultural producers, non-profit and tribal organizations, minority groups, disadvantaged farmers, agricultural associations, industry groups, community-based organizations and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.The deadline to submit Letters of Intent to be invited to submit a formal application is Feb. 15, 2023. Full applications will be due March 25, 2023. The request for proposals, previously funded projects and more information can be found at agri.nv.gov/scbgp.

Source: Nevada Department of Agriculture