From staff reports
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting concept proposals for projects that will increase visibility and competitiveness of the state’s horticultural specialty crops.
The crops include fruit, vegetable, nursery, flower and nut products. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24, according to a department newsletter.
Concept proposals are the first step in a two-part competitive process for the federal Specialty Crop Block Grants authorized under the federal Farm Bill, the release said.
Applicants must submit a concept paper for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through market development, technology innovation, food safety, nutrition knowledge, sustainable practices and or pest management.
Concept proposals should be approximately three pages in length and cover project purpose; estimated timeline; goals, objectives, and expected measurable outcomes; work plan; and budget.
Fourteen Pennsylvania projects were funded in 2019 totaling more than $1.1 million dollars.
Applications can be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance at esa.dced.state.pa.us.
For more information, call Morgan Sheffield at (717) 787-3568, send an email to msheffield@pa.gov or visit agriculture.pa.gov.
