Specialty Crops
Specialty crop block grant program is a federal program that provides funding at
the state level to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops defined as: fruits,
vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery products.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) funds projects that will increase
the economic impact of the specialty crop industry, enhance the competitiveness
of our state’s specialty crops, and increase the sustainability of Pennsylvania’s
agricultural industry.
Eligible Crops:
Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Click
Here for a complete listing of eligible crops.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible Pennsylvania non-profit organizations, local, government entities, for-profit
organizations, industry trade associations, and producer groups.
Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely benefit a particular commercial
product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.
Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate
as project partners.
Funding Priorities:
PDA has identified the following five areas as the 2010 Specialty Crop Funding Priorities.
Projects that address any of these five priorities will receive a scoring
preference.
2010 Program Area Priorities:
- Market Development (export, local, farm-direct, food access, value-added)
- Technology and Innovative in distribution channels
- Food Safety and related areas
- Nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
- Research (pest and disease, preventive methods, IPM, Organic and Sustainable Production
Practices)
Other projects will be considered and eligible for funding so long as they meet
all other program requirements.