May 6, 2009

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently announced the new federally funded Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ag Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Proposals for the federal grants will be accepted now though July 7, 2009. MDA will also be hosting several grant writing workshops across the state this month to assist potential applicants in developing sound proposals.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, and universities. The organizations must be legal entities recognized by the IRS, and applicants must reside and/or conduct their business or organization in Michigan. Qualified applications should demonstrate how the project will potentially produce measurable impacts for the specialty crop industry as a whole. Awarded grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000.

The grants should be used to support projects that benefit the entire specialty crop industry. MDA is requesting proposals that enhance the competitiveness of Michigan specialty crop industry, which are defined as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” To view a complete list of specialty crops visit www.michigan.gov/mda.

The grants will enhance the competitiveness of these crops includes, but is not limited to: research; promotion; marketing; nutrition; trade enhancement; food safety; food security; plant health programs; education; increase knowledge and consumption; increase innovation; improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems; environmental concerns and conservation; product development; good agricultural practices; good handling practices; and good manufacturing practices.

Workshops have been scheduled for the following dates and locations. No pre-registration is needed to attend.

• May 18, 2009
  1 - 3 p.m.
  Washtenaw County MSU Extension Office
  Western Service Center
  705 N. Zeeb Road
  Ann Arbor, MI 48107
  
  
• May 19, 2009
  10 a.m. - noon
  Region IV Office
  Michigan Department of Agriculture
  1585 Concentric Blvd.
  Saginaw, MI 48604
  
  
• May 20, 2009
  10 a.m. - noon
  U.P. State Fairgrounds
  2401 12th Avenue, North
  Escanaba, MI 49829
  
  
• May 21, 2009
  10 a.m. - noon
  Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
  202 E. Grandview Parkway
  Traverse City, MI 49684
  
  
• May 27, 2009
  10 a.m. - noon
  Region V Office
  Michigan Department of Agriculture
  4032 M-139, Building 116
  St. Joseph, MI 49085
  
  
• June 1, 2009
  2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Constitution Hall
  525 West Allegan St.
  ConCon A & B, Lower Level,
  Lansing, MI 48809

For complete grant proposal and submission criteria, along with an eligible commodities listing, please visit www.michigan.gov/mda or call 517-241-3415. Proposal must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2009. Submit proposals to MDA, Mike DiBernardo, 525 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933.