The Colorado Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, providing $700,000 in grants to fund specialty crop projects to begin in 2022.

The annual program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance the promotion, education, research, trade and nutrition of specialty crops.

“It is inspiring to see the innovative and important work being done by producers and organizations, year after year, to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops,” said CDA Grants Specialist Jennifer Benson.

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Producer groups, organizations and associations, state and local organizations, academia and specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply for the grant program.

Projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual will not be considered.

In October, $850,000 was distributed among 12 projects that will begin in early 2021.

Department of Agriculture gives $850,000 in grants to specialty crop projects

Recent grantees include the Colorado Farmers Market Association to promote specialty crops at farmers’ markets and the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee to distribute educational content and locally-grown potatoes to public schools.

Concept proposals for applicants are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2021. Proposals should be sent to cda_scbgp@state.co.us. Full guidelines and application materials are available at ag.colorado.gov.