By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has launched the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, this initiative aims to bolster the state's specialty crop sectors. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and various horticulture and nursery crops.
The grant seeks to empower projects and organizations that focus on marketing specialty crops, supporting relevant research and development, increasing availability and access, and addressing challenges faced by specialty crop producers.
Applications will undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of external reviewers. These experts will assess each proposal's potential to enhance the competitiveness of Kansas' specialty crop industry and contribute positively to the state's economy. The final award decisions rest with the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture.
Interested parties should submit their applications to the Kansas Department of Agriculture by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2024. For detailed information and application guidelines, visit the KDA website.
Kansas is set to receive approximately $330,000 in funding from the USDA–AMS for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in 2024. This allocation is based on the recent value and acreage of specialty crops in the state.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural growth and economic prosperity by advocating and promoting agricultural sectors at all levels, aiming to strengthen the industry's foundation and future.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Government & Policy