The Delaware Department of Agriculture has announced that it is seeking applications for this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with nearly $359,000 to assist in increasing the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops.

Applications will be accepted through April 22.

The program, funded through the farm bill, covers products such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and be able to provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes.

Grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 are available for projects that may last between one and three years in length.

Applications should be submitted by farmers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies or educational institutions based in Delaware, or with a business or educational affiliate. Funding cannot be used for field crops, such as corn and soybeans, or animal agriculture.

An informational grant workshop will be held April 3 at 5 p.m. in the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Conference Center at 2320 S. DuPont Highway in Dover.

Past Delaware projects have included research on improving commercial broccoli production, efforts to expand a community-supported agriculture program, research on growing persimmons and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

Applications are available at de.gov/scbg or from marketing specialist JoAnn Walston at 302-698-4592 or [email protected].

Due to a change in the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant cycle, applications are due earlier this year. They must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 22.

Source: Delaware Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.