Deadline- April 15, 2013
Applications are invited by Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) for federal specialty crop grants in US. The purpose of this project is to develop new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops.
Funds for the program come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Farm Bill and are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry. The department has not been notified of the exact amount of its award, but anticipates receiving about $600,000.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).”
Objectives-
- Increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.
- Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems.
- Assist in developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors.
- Invest in specialty crop research, including organic research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes.
- Enhance food safety.
- Develop new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops.
- Improve pest and disease control.
- Promote organic and sustainable production practices
Eligibility-
Funds will open new markets for fresh produce grown in the state
For more information, visit this link
