News Release

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by Tuesday, March 14.

“Producing specialty crops is becoming more popular each year in Missouri,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “It’s great to see USDA again funding specialty crop projects in our state. This grant allows specialty crop producers in both urban and rural settings to grow and enhance their operations.”

USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The Department offers this grant program to expand markets on local, regional and international levels, develop distribution channels for specialty crops, and catalyze education, research, marketing, promotion, food safety strategies and crop-specific solutions for pests and diseases.

Applications for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to the Department by 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. Applications will be evaluated and selected projects will be included in the Missouri State Plan for USDA review and approval. A list of previously funded projects is available on the Department’s website.

The application form and additional details are available online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.