Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

2013 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Under the 2008 Farm Bill, WSDA receives grant funding from USDA to enhance the competitiveness of Washington’s specialty crops. WSDA conducts an annual competitive application process to award grant funds. Funding for the program is scheduled to continue through 2013, due to a one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops. For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, see Definition of Specialty Crops [external link].

2013 APPLICATION PROCESS (NOW CLOSED)
WSDA is conducting a two-phase competitive process to award an estimated $3 million for 2013.
1) Phase I, Pre-Proposal: Applicants submitted a short project proposal following the instructions and requirements outlined in the Request for Pre-Proposals. The deadline to submit a Pre-Proposal for 2013 funding was February 25, 2013.
2) Phase II, Grant Proposal: Successful Phase I applicants will be asked to submit a full Grant Proposal. Specific requirements and instructions will be included in the Request for Grant Proposals notification. Grant Proposals will only be accepted from invited applicants.

SCHEDULE
Phase I - Pre-Proposal
Request for Pre-Proposals (RFP) Released by WSDA – January 24, 2013
Pre-Proposals Due – February 25, 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Phase II - Grant Proposal
Request for Grant Proposals Released by WSDA – late March/early April, 2013
Grant Proposals Due – late April, 2013
WSDA Application Due to USDA for Approval - July, 2013