| MDARD Director Tim Boring announced a request for proposals through the SCBG Program from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service.
The federal program works to enhance and support the competitiveness of the nation’s specialty crops. Funding is contingent on approval and passage of the federal Farm Bill. Grant proposals must be submitted in the MiAgGrants System by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2025.
The grants have a maximum award of $100,000 for research proposals and $125,000 for marketing, training, and education proposals. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. A full list of specialty crops can be found on USDA’s website.
Acceptable proposal activities include but are not limited to promotion, marketing, research, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, increased knowledge and consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, good agricultural practices, good handling practices, and good manufacturing practices.
Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit the program website for additional details. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants System. Grant applications are due on February 6, 2025 at 5 p.m. EST.
View the full news release on our website. |
