Missouri Department of Agriculture grants available for specialty crops

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application.

USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. MDA offers this grant program to expand markets on local, regional and international levels, develop distribution channels for specialty crops, and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food safety strategies and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases.

Applications for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to MDA by 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 26. Applications will be evaluated, and selected projects will be included in the Missouri State Plan for USDA review and approval. A list of previously funded projects is available on MDA's website.

The application form and additional details are available online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.