Agricultural Grants
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Agriculture seeks Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) program applications from Maine's specialty crop industry to present for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). DACF anticipates awarding at least $500,000 in 2021.
The SCBG program is specifically designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
Funds are awarded to programs through a competitive review process. Grant awards are for a one-year term. Applications may be resubmitted for consideration for additional funding in subsequent years.
Priority areas for the 2021 SCBG program include: enhanced food safety education, primarily concerning FDA rules regarding improved handling and processing of specialty crop; soil and biotic health to improve pest management and biodiversity; marketing Maine specialty crops to diversified and expanded markets, or that research potential market expansion efforts and strategies; or improving adaptation and increased resilience to climate-related crop disturbances in support of long-term farm business vitality and productivity.
Agricultural organizations, educational institutions, commodity groups, municipalities, producers, and state agencies may download the 2021 SCBG application online (https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants). The application deadline is March 30.
Maine's 2020 SCBG awards supported numerous projects, including expanding Maine's berry industry to improve farm profitability, integrated pest management for Maine's $500 million potato industry, using foliar fertilizers and soil amendments to enhance wild blueberry production and resilience, and others.
Please consult the RFA for more information, and contact Leigh Hallett, Agricultural Resource Development Director, at SpecialtyCropBlockGrant@Maine.gov with questions or additional information.
Thank you.
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