Pre-proposals for federal funds due

Pre-proposals for federal funds due by January 23. I’m Lacy Gray, Washington Ag Today is next.

The WSDA reports there will be federal funds available to enhance Washington’s fruit, vegetable and nursery industries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will be providing three million to the state through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill.

Private and non-profit organizations, commodity commissions and other public entities can request funds for projects ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 as long as those projects benefit the competitiveness of fruit, vegetable, nursery and turf grass producers. All projects have a completion deadline of three years.

To apply for grant funding submit a brief pre-proposal to WSDA via e-mail to the department. Applications will be reviewed by the agency and all successful applicants will then be asked to submit their full proposals for further review. The Ag Network’s Greg Martin has more on the types of projects the WSDA is seeking.

MARTIN: After reviewing feedback from Washington’s specialty crop industries, the WSDA is seeking projects that develop organic and sustainable production methods, promote domestic and international markets, improve food safety, control pests and diseases and protect key resources, including water, labor and land.

Projects that benefit Washington’s specialty crop producers in other ways are also encouraged. Pre-proposals are due January 23, 2012. For further information on the program, lists of eligible products and federal requirements visit USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service website.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on Northwest Ag Information Network.

www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp
specialtycrop@agr.wa.gov