Pennsylvania is abundant in produce, horticulture, and many specialty crops, which is why we, as residents, look so forward to the growing season and what it has to offer.
Now the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has something to offer specialty crop producers. A new grant program, authorized under the Farm Bill, is available to “enhance the visibility of specialty crops.”
It is estimated that $1 million will be made available for awards. Fruit, vegetable, tree nut, dried fruit, nursery crop and horticulture producers are eligible. Projects should be centered around product promotion, nutrition and consumption knowledge, distribution and marketing, crop research, and/or enhancing food safety.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 12th and may be delivered or mailed to to Lela Reichart, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Market Development, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 310, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.
To download an application, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and select the “Specialty Crop Block Grants” link under “What’s New.”
