The Alabama Department of Agricultural & Industries is soliciting applications for projects that specifically address the goals that the United States Department of Agriculture has for solely enhancing the competitiveness of US specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets.
Donor Name: Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI)
State: Alabama
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/15/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
Crops that are eligible
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Tree nuts
- Dried fruits
- Christmas trees
- Turf type grasses
- Nursery crops (including floriculture and horticulture)
Project Specifications
Projects must solely enhance the competitiveness of US specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets; specifically, in regard to the following issues specified by USDA.
- Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of Specialty Crops
- Participation of industry representatives at meetings of international standard setting bodies in which the U.S. government participates
- Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
- Developing “Good Agricultural Practices”, “Good Handling Practices”, Good Manufacturing Practices”, and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers, and processors
- Investing in specialty crop research, including organic research to focus in conservation and environmental outcomes
- Enhancing food safety
- Developing new and improved seed varieties for specialty crops
- Pest and disease control
- Community Gardens
- Sustainability
Funding Information
This is a competitive grant process. The minimum amount awarded is $5,000.00. The maximum award to commodity groups, agriculture organizations, municipalities and agriculture nonprofits applicants is $25,000; the maximum amount for colleges and universities is $40,000.00.
Project Period
A project can last up to 34 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations can submit projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Alabama’s specialty crop industries:
- Non-profit organizations
- Government entities
- For-profit organizations
- Industry trade associations
- Producer groups
- Commodity commissions
- Public and private colleges/universities
For more information, visit ADAI.
