Funding Available for Specialty Crops in South Dakota


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SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE
 
For Immediate Release: June 19, 2008
Contact: Alison Kiesz at 605-626-3272
 
 
Funding Available for Specialty Crops in South Dakota
 
(Pierre, SD) --- The South Dakota Department of Agriculture announces that grants are available for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined for this program as fruits, dried fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
 
"We are pleased to be able to offer these funds to South Dakota’s specialty crop industry. These funds can help advance and promote the specialty crops in the state,” said Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even.
 
The Department is responsible for administering and distributing the specialty crop grant. Grant dollars were made available through Congress' Specialty Crops Block Grant Programand can be used for a variety of projects including:
·        “Buy Local” campaigns
·        Promotion and increased consumption of specialty crops
·        Product market development and expansion, including value-added products
·        Enhancing trade for South Dakota grown products
·        Collaborative efforts or alliances that cut costs or raise revenues through  distribution or marketing projects
·        Commercial application of new technologies, equipment or practices
 
"The primary intent of this funding is to promote innovative specialty crop projects that will help diversify South Dakota’s agricultural industry," said Jon Farris, Director of Agricultural Development.
 
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are due September 15, 2008 and results will be announced after review by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and by the United States Department of Agriculture. Awards will continue until all grant funds have been expended.
 
The guidelines, application form, and other specialty crop grant information is available from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, 800-228-5254 (in state only) or 605-773-5436 or on the Department website at www.state.sd.us/doa. For a copy of the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program Application, visit: http://www.state.sd.us/doa/
 
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