The Pennsylvania Division of Agriculture recently opened the proposal interval for the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, which funds horticultural specialty crops tasks that fight meals system shortfalls Launched on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Division of Agriculture’s Agricultural Advertising Service funds This method Which will award almost $1.4 million nationwide. The Pennsylvania Division of Agriculture administers This method for the state.

“These funds are a win-win for growers and consumers,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Funded tasks will assist growers in overcoming challenges Associated to the coronavirus pandemic. And, They will join consumers with specialty crops by way of increaseed availability and entry, further strengthening our meals system.”

Qualifying tasks tackle native, regional, and nationwide challenges confronting specialty crop producers; assist producers with evaluation and enchancment related to specialty crops; leverage efforts to market and promote specialty crops; and increase availability and entry to specialty crops.

Specialty crops embrace culinary herbs and spices, medicinal crops, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, fruits, and greens.

The solicitation course of Shall be divided into two phases. Proposals are due July 30 by way of the PA Division of Group and Financial Development’s internet website. Projects that rating extremely Shall be invited To finish a final grant proposal to be submitted in September.