Specialty crop grants available to local farmers

Taos County farmers interested in growing specialty crops could get a financial boost through a state grant program

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is accepting new proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and is hosting a Zoom discussion Thursday (Jan. 21) at 7 a.m. Mountain Time to explain the process.

Register in advance for this meeting at: nmsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYof-uqrTooE9YQNuu_ wFK53MLeoNn-wSLT

The federally funded grant program is designed to “enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops,” according to a statement.

The goal of the grants according to the state “is to improve food access in underserved communities and improve development of local and rural food systems.”

individuals and nonfederal entities such as producer groups, nonprofits, trade associations and colleges/universities, are eligible to apply

The deadline for all proposal applications is Feb. 15. Those interested must submit a project proposal to NMDA for review by a panel of staff and experts. Grant funds cannot be awarded to projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or an individual.

All project proposals must prioritize either marketing, training, certification, food safety, pest control or plant health for the benefit of specialty crops.

“These are all areas that most effectively advance the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Mexico,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.

The state Agriculture Department has several target outcomes for grant seekers. “Projects that help rebuild following the COVID19 pandemic, expand markets, connect consumers to producers, promote local agriculture or promote the growing emphasis of female and young farmers are all favorable,” said Witte.

Before applying, applicants should consider their eligibility for federal funds, types of expenses needed, infrastructure, timeframe, potential beneficiaries, possible partners, reimbursement of expenditures and other factors. Considering all of these factors beforehand can help determine the potential need for federal aid.

Visit youtu.be/QS20-zFY420 to watch a video explaining this grant program.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the application process, visit the ElevateNMAg.com or nmda.nmsu.edu. Questions should be emailed to specialtycrops@ nmda.nmsu.edu.

All project proposals must prioritize either marketing, training, certification, food safety, pest control or plant health for the benefit of specialty crops.