Weathers Announces Specialty Crops Grants Program

CHARLESTON, SC – March 31, 2010 – Hugh E. Weathers, South CarolinaCommissioner of Agriculture, announces the Specialty Crops Grant Programfor institutions and groups that support specialty crops. Specialtycrops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts,horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). This programis funded by the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Marketing Service as establishedby the 2008 Farm Bill.

Those interested in participating in the Specialty Crops Grant Programare encouraged to provide a two-page summary that includes a projectplan for use of the funds and the estimated cost of implementing theplan. The project must fall within the criteria listed below and mustbenefit groups of producers and not individuals. Those selected from thefirst round of applications will be asked to submit a full proposal aspart of the overall state plan for use of the specialty crops grantfunds.

Projects should be developed to solely enhance the competitiveness ofspecialty crops pertaining to the following issues affecting thespecialty crop industry: increasing child and adult nutrition knowledgeand consumption of specialty crops; improving efficiency and reducingcost of distribution systems; assisting all entities in the specialtycrop distribution chain in developing “Good Agricultural Practices”,“Good Handling Practices”, “Good Manufacturing Practices”, and incost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for smallfarmers, packers and processors; investing in specialty crop research,including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;enhancing food safety; developing new and improved seed varieties andspecialty crops; pest and disease control; development of organic andsustainable production practices; developing local and regional foodsystems, and improving food access in underserved communities.

Projects can be multi-year but should not exceed three years induration. Funds cannot be used for capital expenditures such asbuildings, equipment or land.  Indirect costs cannot exceed ten percent.

Deadline to submit project proposals is Friday, April 30, 2010.Proposals must include the grant administrator’s name, address, phone,fax and email information. Notification of project eligibility will besent by mail to the grant administrator by Friday, May 14, 2010.

To submit proposals or for more information, contact:

Amy Howard London

Marketing Specialist

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 11280, Columbia, SC  29211

Phone – 803/734-2210

Email – [email protected]