By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS), aims to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
The grant funding will be distributed to projects and organizations focused on promoting specialty crops, conducting relevant research, improving market access, and addressing industry challenges at local, regional, and national levels. According to the USDA, specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops such as floriculture.
A panel of external reviewers will assess applications based on their potential to strengthen the specialty crop sector and contribute to Kansas’s economy. Final funding decisions will be made by the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture.
Applications must be submitted to KDA by 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025. Interested applicants can review the Kansas Request for Applications document available on the KDA website (agriculture.ks.gov/grants) for further details.
Specialty Crop Block Grant funding is allocated to states based on the value and acreage of specialty crops produced. For 2025, Kansas is set to receive approximately $330,000.
KDA’s mission is to foster long-term agricultural prosperity and economic growth by supporting producers and promoting industry development. Through this program, the agency aims to strengthen the specialty crop sector and expand market opportunities for growers.
Photo Credit: kansas-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Kansas, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables