Specialty Crop Block Grant

Under the Farm Bill, WSDA receives grant funding from USDA to enhance the competitiveness of Washington's specialty crops. WSDA conducts an annual competitive application process to award grant funds. The Request for Concept Proposals will open January 28. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops.

WSDA is conducting a two-phase competitive process to award an estimated $4 million for 2016.

Phase I, Concept Proposal - Applicants will submit a short project proposal following the instructions and requirements outlined in the Request for Concept Proposals. The deadline to submit a Concept Proposal for 2016 funding is 5:00 p.m. (PST) on February 26, 2016.  Late submittals WILL NOT be accepted.

Phase II, Grant Proposal - Successful Phase I applicants will be asked to submit a full Grant Proposal. Specific requirements and instructions will be included in the Request for Grant Proposals notification.

And that's Washington Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.