N.Y. Ag Department offers specialty crop block grants

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets will accept grant proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which has $900,000 available. Specialty crops — including fruits and vegetables, wine, maple syrup, horticulture and nursery crops — generate $1.34 billion in New York annually.

Projects can total from $30,000 to $200,000 and cover a wide range of categories, including "buy local" packaging and labeling, distribution, education and outreach, food safety, marketing and promotion, nutrition, product development and international trade enhancement.

The program will award grants on a competitive basis and does not require matching funds. It is open to all nonprofits, businesses, government entities, educational institutions and individuals. Applications are due by July 17 and are available at www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/

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