Specialty Crop Grants Finalists Pt 2

Specialty Crop Grants Finalists Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. $4.1 million in Specialty Crop Grants have been submitted to the USDA from Washington's Department of Agriculture after about 85 proposal submissions.

Grant Administrator, Leisa Schumaker says variety is key ...

LEISA SCHUMAKER ... "Yeah, it's a really good range. It's a good variety this year of different commodities that are benefiting, different crops. And, asparagus, like you said, apples, wine grapes, raspberries, some potatoes, cider, a lot of different crops and a great variety which is really fortunate."

Schumaker says that variety is just part of how the projects are selected ...

LEISA SCHUMAKER ... "We fund research projects, training and education, promotional marketing campaigns, a variety of different things. As long as the project is benefiting the specialty crop in the state and it's increasing the competitiveness in the market of the crop, it would be eligible. We've had some really great projects and for 2017 we've included 20 more into our state plan to USDA. And, pending approval from them we're hoping all of those make it through the process and we'll receive word sometime mid-September as to whether or not some will be moving forward with those."

The 20 finalists for USDA consideration were drawn from the 85 concept proposals received.

If you're interested in a Specialty Crop Grant in the coming years, contact the State Department of Agriculture for more information on eligibility and deadlines.

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