A federal specialty crop grant program aimed at increasing the consumption and competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and other qualified crops could mean more than $160,000 in funds for Oklahomans this year. Deadline for applications is Aug. 10.
Although funds are provided through U.S. Department of Agriculture, all states are charged with administering and submitting grant proposals.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Market Development Division is administering the state’s program.
“We’re really excited about the possibilities this grant program can provide to not only enhance our specialty crop industries but to promote better nutrition and health as well,” said Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach.
“Our plasticulture program, farmers market promotions and the Farm to School program are all examples of how specialty crops benefit our state and this is a great opportunity to expand in this area.”
There are extensive guidelines regarding what can and cannot be funded through the program.
Complete rules and the application form are available on the ODAFF Web site at these addresses: http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forms/mktdev/grantspecialtycropmanual.pdf and http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forms/mktdev/grantspecialtycrop.pdf.
The funding is intended for proposals that will improve nutrition, create opportunities solely for increased specialty crop production, processing or marketing venues.
Questions can also be directed to ODAFF Coordinator Johnny Roberts at 522-6194 or by e-mail at johnny.roberts@oda.state.ok.us.
Applications must be submitted as a hard copy and electronically.
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A federal specialty crop grant program aimed at increasing the consumption and competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and other qualified crops could mean more than $160,000 in funds for Oklahomans this year. Deadline for applications is Aug. 10.
Although funds are provided through U.S. Department of Agriculture, all states are charged with administering and submitting grant proposals.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Market Development Division is administering the state’s program.
“We’re really excited about the possibilities this grant program can provide to not only enhance our specialty crop industries but to promote better nutrition and health as well,” said Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach.
“Our plasticulture program, farmers market promotions and the Farm to School program are all examples of how specialty crops benefit our state and this is a great opportunity to expand in this area.”
There are extensive guidelines regarding what can and cannot be funded through the program.
Complete rules and the application form are available on the ODAFF Web site at these addresses: http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forms/mktdev/grantspecialtycropmanual.pdf and http://www.oda.state.ok.us/forms/mktdev/grantspecialtycrop.pdf.
The funding is intended for proposals that will improve nutrition, create opportunities solely for increased specialty crop production, processing or marketing venues.
Questions can also be directed to ODAFF Coordinator Johnny Roberts at 522-6194 or by e-mail at johnny.roberts@oda.state.ok.us.
Applications must be submitted as a hard copy and electronically.
