Grant opportunity available to support Nevada specialty crop projects

Over $267,000 available in grants for research, education and production

SPARKS – The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has over $267,000 available for projects promoting specialty crops in Nevada through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

“Nevada’s specialty crop industry has so much potential, and we are excited to support projects that foster the industry’s growth,” said NDA Agriculturist IV Jozo Vujeva. “We encourage organizations with research, education or production ideas that would benefit Nevada’s specialty crops to apply.”

Specialty crops are defined by USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Grant funds through this program have been used to establish various projects, including projects to help specialty crop producers achieve success in developing and marketing their products through the Women’s Farm to Food Accelerator Program, research projects to determine what bean varieties will grow well in Nevada climates through the University of Nevada, Reno, and education and outreach projects through Nevada Farm Bureau.

Project proposals that promote and enhance specialty crops through research, marketing, education and production must have multiple beneficiaries and may not be used to benefit only one individual or organization. Individual agricultural producers, non-profit and tribal organizations, minority groups, disadvantaged farmers, agricultural associations, industry groups, community-based organizations and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to submit Letters of Intent is Dec. 16, 2024. Full applications are due Feb. 3, 2025. The request for proposals, previously funded projects and more information can be found at agri.nv.gov/scbgp.