Early in June, the Department of Agriculture received $526,675 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a grant that must be utilized to help North Dakotans enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The deadline to apply is July 15.
"I believe we get the grants on an annual basis and award mini grants on an annual basis," said Ted Quanrud, public information officer for the Department of Agriculture.
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In 2007, former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson handed out $110,000 in grants to associations seeking to improve the state's agricultural economy.
The Department of Agriculture was the recipient of more than $30,000 to move forward a farmers' market and fruit and vegetable growers initiative. They used some of the money to host education seminars for growers. The Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, the state Nursery and Greenhouse Association and a number of others also received funding in 2007's grant allocation.
"These grants will be used to increase that importance through product research and development and market enhancement efforts for fruit and vegetable growers and nursery producers," Johnson said in 2007, upon releasing the money.
Potential applicants can reference a detailed manual, featured on the Department of Agriculture's Web site, which includes general information and important application instructions.
Within the manual is a list of crops eligible as specialty crops and the maximum amount of funds a chosen applicant can receive, which is $100,000.
Grants are typically awarded to projects that benefit growers and the agriculture industry statewide, rather than ones that benefit a single organization, institution or individual.
The Department of Agriculture indicated that this year, the grant process is much more thorough than previous years and requires specific, in-depth information from the applicant.
Qualifying projects will be awarded the grant in October or November of this year. Projects are required to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.
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