By Scout Nelson
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is set to invigorate the state's specialty crop industry with more than $545,000 in grants, spread over three years, provided by the Specialty Crop Block Grant program under the federal Farm Bill.
This initiative aims to increase the accessibility of fresh, locally grown produce while enhancing the competitiveness of Illinois' specialty crop producers.
Applications for this grant are open on the IDOA website, with a deadline set for March 22, 2024. Projects approved for funding will commence in the 2025 calendar year.
The program welcomes applications from a wide range of entities, including non-profits, local and government bodies, trade groups, educational institutions, and encourages projects that benefit small-scale farms, new and veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, and underserved communities.
The IDOA encourages the development of projects that address key issues within the specialty crop industry, such as enhancing food safety, supporting organic crop growth, investing in research for environmental benefits, developing new seed varieties, improving pest control, and increasing nutritional knowledge among children and adults.
The focus is on projects that advance the entire specialty crop distribution chain's capacity to meet Food Safety Modernization Act requirements, among other goals.
Projects aimed at benefiting specific commercial products or generating profit for single entities are not eligible. Those involved in direct marketing efforts like farmers’ markets are directed towards the USDA’s Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program for support.
Illinois is a national leader in specialty crops, ranking first in pumpkin and horseradish production, with significant contributions in asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, and more, thanks to over 3,200 producers and nearly $500 million in annual sales.
For more information or to apply, visit the IDOA website or contact them via email at AGR.ISCBG@illinois.gov by the deadline on March 24, 2024.
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy