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Texas Department of Agriculture seeks applications for specialty crop grantsTexas The Texas Department of Agriculture is requesting proposals for projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. The projects will be funded through TDA-awarded grants made available through the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. "Texas produces the best food and fiber in the world," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "These new funds will help Texas grow and market more specialty crops, which are vital to our state's economy. Texas is eligible for $1.78 million in specialty crop funding, and that will go a long way to enhance trade and promotion opportunities that will expand markets for our specialty crop producers and increase their competitiveness." TDA will accept grant proposals from agencies, universities, institutions and industry or community-based organizations. To qualify for consideration, organizations must have a vested interest in specialty crops and projects to enhance the competitiveness of Texas-grown products. Proposed projects should pertain to one of the following areas: Food Safety--Projects that help implement good agricultural practices, good handling practices, good manufacturing practices or identify new methods to improve food safety. Nutrition--Projects that focus on increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Industry Development--Proposals aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems or industry training. Marketing--These projects may be geared toward increasing the sales or consumption of specialty crops domestically and internationally through advertising campaigns, in-store demonstrations or promotional, educational and international literature. Plant Health--Projects investing in the prevention, control or eradication of pests and diseases harmful to specialty crops. Value-Added Projects and Industry Development--Projects may include support for development of value-added processing facilities, establishment of certification programs and improvement of distribution methods. More information on the SCBGP can be found by visiting www.TexasAgriculture.gov and clicking "Grants/Funding." The deadline for submitting proposals is March 19. For more information regarding this program, please contact Mindy Weth Fryer, TDA grants specialist, at 512-463-6908 or by e-mail at grants@TexasAgriculture.gov.
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