New Mexico specialty crop funds available

New Mexico specialty crop funds available NMDA to offer workshops beginning in January, proposals are due March 1 (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – If you have a specialty crop, you may be eligible for federal funding as part of the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides grants to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Increasing competitiveness may include developing local and rural food systems, improving food access in underserved communities, specialty crop research, feasibility studies, marketing projects and much more. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The funding cycle begins September 29, and grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis only. Funds cannot be awarded to projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will offer three workshops to assist growers and other agribusinesses in January. The workshops will provide an overview of the grant program and the application process. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said the funding provides a unique and beneficial opportunity to agriculturalists in New Mexico. “The USDA’s Specialty Crops Block Grant Program provides an avenue through which growers and processors may leverage their business to grow the New Mexico economy,” Witte said. “The grant program has allowed New Mexicans to develop new opportunities and maintain a competitive market, both locally and globally.” Previously funded projects range from one-to-three years in length and vary in amounts from $15,000 to over $100,000. Funds may not be used for the following:  Capital expenditures (equipment, buildings, land) or expenditures to make improvements to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life  General purpose equipment (equipment not limited to research, scientific or other technical activities)  Equipment (an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost equal to or greater than $1,000) Proposals must be submitted to NMDA via email by 5 p.m. March 1 using the template to be provided by NMDA at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/marketing/under competitive grant programs. Projects may began September 29, as long as a sub-award is in place. Workshop dates and the application template will be available at the website above. Other questions may be directed to NMDA Marketing Specialists Felicia Frost or Sarah Hacker at specialtycrops@nmda.nmsu.edu or (575) 646-4929. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptAg. - NMDA – Attachment 1: Grapes in vineyard (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture) Attachment 2: Green chile (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture) Attachment 3: Pecan close-up (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture) Confidentiality Notice: New Mexico has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state employees are public records. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure. This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipients. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. Confidentiality Notice: New Mexico has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state employees are public records. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure. This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipients. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act.