Farmers invited to apply for crop grant program

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for the 2018 Specialty Block Grant Program, state Sen. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, announced in an April 13 news release.

The program provides funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery crops, the release said.

“Ohio is known for its strong agricultural heritage, and we have some of the hardest working farmers here in northeast Ohio,” Manning said. “I encourage eligible individuals and organizations to take advantage of this grant opportunity so that we can continue to grow our robust farming economy.”

Grant funding is provided by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The deadline for online grant proposal submissions is 4 p.m. May 1.

Grants will range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000, according to the release.

In addition, applicants must provide a minimum match of 25 percent of the requested grant amount, the release said.

Project proposals are sought that will advance the long-term economic viability of the state’s specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops.

Higher rankings will be given to projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and those which could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry, according to the release.

Food and agricultural nonprofit organizations, associations and commodity groups, universities and research institutions are eligible to submit specialty crop proposals.

To view previously funded projects, visit www.ams.usda.gov/service/grants/scbgp/awards.

For more information on the 2018 program, available forms or a copy of the request for proposals, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website at agri.ohio.gov/apps/ odaforms/odaforms.aspx.