MANHATTAN, Kan.– The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2015
Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Funds are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Agricultural Marketing Service. The funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations that promote
specialty crops in Kansas.
The purpose of the specialty crop program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops
are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including
floriculture.” The advancement of these crops aligns with KDA’s mission of providing an environment that
promotes economic and agricultural growth in all aspects of the Kansas agricultural industry.
In 2014 Kansas received – $314,370.38 for the grant program. Kansas is expected to receive approximately the
same amount for 2015.
Applications will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to
successfully promote specialty crops in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy, and submit
those recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards.
Applications are due to KDA no later than May 15, 2015. For more information, and to download the 2015
application please visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycropblockgrant.
