$600,000 available in NY for research, grower education

New York State Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI), is now accepting applications for projects to utilize up to $600,000 under the Specialty Crop Block Grant program through a competitive bid process.  The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The department and NYFVI are seeking proposals for research and grower education projects that aim to enhance the competitiveness of New York’s specialty crop producers and increase the long-term success of the State’s agricultural industry.  New York State’s specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, hops, maple syrup, honey, horticulture and nursery crops.

The full Request for Proposals for the 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant program and online application are available at http://www.nyfvi.org/default.aspx?PageID=2483.

Individual projects can be awarded up to $100,000.  Proposals may address a wide range of challenges and opportunities related to the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, including research and grower education projects that will increase efficiencies, reduce costs, foster innovation and enhance the long-term viability of specialty crop agri-businesses across the state.

The following priority areas have been identified:

• research and/or education addressing a key conventional or organic production problem or need specific to New York State;
• developing and increasing the utilization of Integrated Pest Management strategies and programs;
• prioritizing and addressing native and exotic pests and disease threats through development of pest risk assessments;
• supporting plant breeding for the development of specialty crops resistant to exotic and native pests;
• applied research and development to extend the growing season of New York specialty crops through new technologies, improved management practices, or other innovative production strategies; and
• developing new seed varieties and specialty crops with optimal performance under New York State conditions.

The NYFVI will evaluate the proposals and submit its recommendations to the Department for inclusion in the agency’s application to the USDA.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, and local and Indian tribal governments. Grant funds will only be awarded to applicants whose projects have statewide significance to the specialty crop industry and do not propose to only benefit a single organization, institution, individual or commercial product.  Applications are due Tuesday, Feb. 14. Projects must be completed within two years from the award date.