(ND Ag Connection) – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Specialty Crop Grants in North Dakota. These grants, funded by the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service, are designed to bolster the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state.

The program is open to organizations, institutions, and individuals who aim to enhance specialty crop sectors, including food safety, pest and disease control, seed development, and nutritional education. Projects that solely benefit specific commercial products or individuals are not eligible.

Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, encompass a wide range of products, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops. In North Dakota, this includes commercially grown crops like dry beans, peas, lentils, potatoes, confection sunflowers, grapes, honey, and various vegetables.

While the exact funding allocation from the USDA is yet to be confirmed, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) is preparing for a competitive grant process. Interested applicants can find more information, including an application manual and criteria, on the NDDA website.

The deadline for electronic submissions is set for January 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. CST. Post submission, applications will undergo a rigorous review and scoring process. Commissioner Goehring will then select the proposals to be forwarded to the USDA for final approval in May 2024.

The funded projects are expected to commence on October 1, 2024, and should be completed by September 30, 2026. For additional details or inquiries, individuals can contact Deanna Gierszewski at the NDDA. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for enhancing the quality and scope of specialty crop agriculture in North Dakota.