03.09.16

Hoeven Announces Availability of $62 Million to Support Competitiveness of Special Crops

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $62 million in competitive grants available to support states’ efforts to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, which include dry, edible beans, and horticulture products, including honey. The funds are provided through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and may be used for education, research, food safety and other projects.

“Access to more viable crop options helps provide greater opportunity and stability for our farmers and our economy,” Hoeven said. “These funds will support a wide variety of projects to enhance the production of specialty crops and open new markets.” 

Those interested must apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. State applications are due by July 6, 2016. Additional information can be found on USDA’s website:https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp

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