PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
October 16, 2008 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking grant proposals from organizations or groups of individuals interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

"Specialty crops continue to be an important segment of Nebraska agriculture," NDA Director Greg Ibach said. "This funding can assist producers with important research, marketing outreach, or other initiatives designed to increase opportunities for the specialty crop industry."

NDA is requesting the grant proposals as part of its effort to develop a state plan for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The USDA program was created by Congress in 2004. For the 2008 funding cycle, NDA can receive up to $108,530 for specialty crop projects, but must submit a state plan detailing how the funds will be used.

Grant proposals will be considered on a competitive basis. Those that NDA selects for inclusion in the specialty crop state plan must also be reviewed by USDA. Applications are due to NDA by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2008.

According to USDA guidelines, eligible projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and may focus on research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, and "buy local" programs, among other opportunities. The grant proposal must show the project will benefit the specialty crop industry or a segment of the industry as a whole; proposals that will profitably benefit one organization or individual will not be accepted.

For grant proposal guidelines and application information, please e-mail agr.promo@nebraska.gov or call 800-422-6692. USDA guidance on this program, including specific examples of eligible specialty crops, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/fv/scbgp.html under "AMS Grant Programs" in the right-hand column.