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Illinois Specialty Crop Block Grant program applications open

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has opened applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

The department plans to distribute more than $544,000 over a three-year period in an effort to expand availability of locally grown produce and increase competitiveness of the Illinois specialty crop industry. The funding is allocated through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in the farm bill.

Producers, commodity associations, colleges, non-profit organizations and others can apply for funding toward projects that benefit the Illinois specialty crop industry including research, pest and disease control, nutrition education, improving distribution systems, supporting organic crops and enhancing food safety.

USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. IDOA says there are more than 3200 producers growing specialty crops on more than 90,000 acres of Illinois farmland, creating nearly $472 million in annual sales. Nationally, Illinois ranks first for pumpkin and horseradish production and is in the top ten for production of asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens, and lima beans.

Projects will begin in 2024. The deadline to apply is March 23rd.