The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s offering nearly $300,000 in funding for farmers producing specialty crops. This includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops.
The annual program’s funded by a specialty crop block grant from the USDA; the $291,348 total is the largest drawn down in the last five years.
In a statement today, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said these crops are essential to the state's crop industry.
"We're looking for projects that will make Kentucky specialty crops more competitive in the United States and around the world," Comer said.
Applicants can earn up to $50,000 by demonstrating how their projects advance that goal. Matching funds are encouraged.
Those eligible include:
- Producers
- Commodity groups
- Agriculture organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Municipalities
- State agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
The deadline is June 1, and grant awards will be announced this fall.
For more information or an application, visit the grant's page here.