Crops and Specialty Crops

Specialty Crops Grants

DATCP is now accepting applications for 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds. Non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply.

DATCP is seeking applicants that will enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets. Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds are to be used to benefit the entire specialty crop industry as a whole and not provide direct profit to a specific organization, institution or individual.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) authorized the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants to states for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. Specialty crops are defined in law as: fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. A more comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops is at http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

Grant Manual (15 page Word doc)

Application Form (3 page Word doc)

Applications are due to DATCP by 4:30 p.m. on April 2, 2012. For questions about the grant program, contact Juli Speck at juli.speck@wisconsin.gov or 608-224-5134.