The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for anticipated funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

A news release says, interested individuals, community organizations and research institutions working to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Missouri should submit their application by 3 p.m. March 8, 2022.

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.

Proposals will be evaluated and selected projects will be included in the Missouri State Plan for USDA review and approval.

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