APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS

March 10, 2008

ISSUE 1209

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS

The Agricultural Marketing Service announced in the Feb. 28 Federal Register that it will make available approximately $8.4 million in block grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is authorized by the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004.

Applications must be filed by state departments of agriculture and must be postmarked no later than March 5, 2009.

Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, "buy local'' programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives.

Members of the Florida agriculture industry, academia, and community-based organizations are encouraged to contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for additional information.

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)

AG LEADERS MEET WITH UF PRESIDENT OVER BUDGET CUTS

HARDEE COMMISSION DEALS BLOW TO HOUSING

FARM BILL DEADLINE MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MEET

EU ANNOUNCES NEW HARMONIZED MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR PRODUCE RIPENING AND ETHYLENE CONTROL WORKSHOP