8-10 FB Specialty Crops

 Projects Selected to Receive Specialty Crop Grant Funds. Funding for specialty crop projects across Idaho is on the way from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture thanks to the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  The State of Idaho allocated $925,835.38 to projects that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. 

In December 2010 the Department announced a competitive grant process and began accepting applications. Sixteen applications were submitted at a total request of nearly $1.6 million.  A panel of industry representatives reviewed and scored all applications and provided input to ISDA for final selection.  Eight projects were selected for funding.  These projects include research and promotional activities for commodities such as potatoes, beans, grapes, apples and nursery. Here’s ISDA spokesperson Lacey Menasco with a definition of specialty crops: “they include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Eligible projects were required to benefit more than one organization and enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.