Specialty Crop Block Grants will be available soon

Contributed by: Ashley Bress, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will soon be accepting applications for Specialty Crop Block Grants. Grants are intended to increase the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, and horticulture and nursery crops. One of this year’s priorities is increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops—a perfect fit for Farm to School!

Staff from Clearbrook-Gonvick celebrate Farm to School with the Great Lakes Great Apple Crunch.

Non-profit and producer organizations, government agencies, universities, and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply. Minnesota-based organizations like The Good Acre, Renewing the Countryside, and Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy have received grants in the past to support Farm to School efforts in the state.

Funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program comes from the United States Department of Agriculture and can only be used for the promotion of specialty crops. More information will be available at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/specialtycrop or by calling the MDA Grants Line at 651-201-6500.