INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Applications are available now for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture specialty crop block grant program. The grants are for non-profits, academic institutions, government agencies and producers.
“While many farmers continue to plant traditional row crops, more and more are considering diversification in their operations to increase profitability,” said Ted McKinney, ISDA Director. “These funds will create additional growth opportunities for them while strengthening specialty crop production in the state.”
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts and horticulture crops. To be eligible the plants must be intensively cultivated and used for food, medicine and/or aesthetic gratification. For more information about specialty crops or to download an application go to ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/USDASpecialtyCropDefinition.pdf . Applications must be submitted by May 10.