State of Washington : Feb. 15 deadline for grant proposals to boost Washington specialty crops

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For immediate release: Jan. 18, 2017 Contact: Mike Louisell [phone]

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, Washington 98504-2560 This news release is also available as a PDF.

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is accepting proposals for innovative projects to support the state's fruit, vegetable and nursery industry through the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Proposals for the grants to fund these projects are due to WSDA by 4 p.m. Feb. 15.

WSDA has more than $4 million in grant funding available to support Washington's specialty crop industry. WSDA manages the grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Private and non-profit organizations, commodity commissions and other public entities may request funds for projects ranging between $25,000 to $250,000 that benefit the competitiveness of fruit, vegetable, tree nut and nursery crop producers. Projects will be completed within one to three years.

The first step in applying for grant funding is to submit a brief concept proposal at www.wsda.fluidreview.com/ and using the online application system. WSDA staff will review proposals and successful applicants will be asked to submit full proposals for further review. Visit www.agr.wa.gov/Grants/SCBGP/ for application information, forms and schedules. For additional information, go to the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp or contact WSDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program manager Leisa Schumaker at [e-mail] or [phone].

Based on comments from Washington's specialty crop industries, WSDA is seeking projects that control pests and diseases, develop and enhance markets, preserve or increase water availability, improve production practices through technology, increase consumption of specialty crops, reduce regulatory barriers, assist with food safety research, develop organic and sustainable production practices or educate consumers about specialty crops' nutritional value and the key role specialty crops play in Washington's ag economy.

Projects that benefit Washington's specialty crop producers and food processors in other ways, benefit Washington and other states, or that benefit new farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers are also encouraged.

Washington ranks second in the nation in production of specialty crops and funded 21 projects under USDA's specialty crop program for 2016. USDA will announce their awards this fall. WSDA grant agreements will be signed in October.

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