The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is currently open to receiving grant applications for projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops both in foreign and domestic markets. The deadline for submitting applications for these specialty crop block grants, facilitated through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is March 15, at 5 p.m. CST.

Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, encompass fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Eligible entities for this grant program include commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies, and agricultural nonprofits. Their proposals must align with all program specifications to qualify. ADAI, in collaboration with a review committee of industry representatives, will conduct application evaluations and make award recommendations to USDA. The final approval for submitted projects rests with USDA.

The specialty crops block grant follows a competitive grant process, with the minimum amount awarded set at $5,000. Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, municipalities and agriculture nonprofits can receive a maximum award of $25,000, while colleges and universities are eligible for up to $40,000.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate emphasized the growth of the specialty crop industry in Alabama, driven by increasing demand for locally grown food.

"The specialty crop industry in Alabama continues to grow as the demand for locally grown food increases. These grants provide funding on research to enhance the quality and quantity of specialty crops and to develop new marketing opportunities," Pate said. "The department looks forward to implementing this program, which not only benefits specialty crop producers but consumers as well."

For further details and inquiries, interested parties can contact Johnny Blackmon at (334) 240-7257 or via email at johnny.blackmon@agi.alabama.gov. Additional information is available at agi.alabama.gov/divisions/executive/scbgp and www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.

It is important to note that projects are not authorized to commence until official agreements are signed, a process anticipated to begin in October 2024.