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Specialty Crops Block Grant Program Funding
NMDA seeking Concept Proposals for federal Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding
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NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MSC 3189, P.O Box 30005 - Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8005 Office of the Director/Secretary Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez, Director/Secretary |
| MEDIA ADVISORY | Fax: (575) 646-8120 |
| For Immediate Release | Contact: Ricardo Gonzales (575) 646-7079 |
| February 24, 2010 |
Specialty Crops Block Grant Program Funding
New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announced today they are seeking Concept Proposals for federal Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding. Funds must be used exclusively to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown throughout the state. Funds are available to non-profit and for profit organizations, government entities, universities, and individuals as long as the project provides a benefit that extends beyond the applicant. Projects can be up to three years in length.
NMDA expects to receive approximately $400,000 for SCBGP grant awards this year (beginning October 1, 2010). The federal definition of specialty crops includes “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).”
“NMDA will look for high-quality projects dedicated to making an impact on New Mexico’s agricultural industry,” says I. Miley Gonzalez, director/secretary of agriculture for New Mexico. “The applicant must be able to illustrate a realistic potential return on investment.”
NMDA has implemented a new application process this year. The deadline to submit a concept proposal is April 2, 2010. For detailed information on the application process, including proposal formats and deadlines, contact Craig Mapel at (505) 852-3088 or Felicia Frost at (575) 646-4929 or go to the NMDA web page at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu to print a brochure.
