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Last updated on Sunday, February 18, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is now accepting proposals for projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of Indiana’s specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Applications are due to ISDA by March 26, 2018.
"Various organizations have benefited from grants from USDA, and I am excited to see what projects will come to fruition through the funds awarded," said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Encouraging competition and innovation will help take Indiana agriculture to the Next Level."
Funded by USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the grants are available to non-profits, producer organizations, academic institutions, government agencies and other agricultural organizations for specialty crop research, education or market development.
Qualified projects must benefit the industry as a whole rather than one product, individual or organization. Priority will be given to projects that focus on issues affecting the specialty crop industry, such as reducing costs of distribution systems or developing new and improved seed varieties.
"Along with traditional row crops, like corn and soybeans, and livestock agriculture, Indiana is home to a robust, thriving specialty crop sector," said Bruce Kettler, ISDA Director. "To remain competitive, we must continue to look for new, innovative ways to grow this important sector of our economy, and these grants provide the opportunity to make that happen."
A full list of specialty crops is available on USDA's website. Grant funds will be awarded for projects up to three years in duration.
For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, please visit http://www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm or contact ISDA Grant Program Manager Ann McCambridge at AMcCambridge@isda.in.gov.
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