This week, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the availability of $6.9 million in block grant funds appropriated last year by Congress to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Examples of qualified projects include food safety training programs and research, promotion and marketing, nutrition and consumption programs, trade enhancement, food security, plant health programs, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, and more. Eligible applicants for the block grants include state departments of agriculture, or other agencies, commissions, or departments of state government responsible for agriculture within the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To apply for FY2007 funds, applications must be postmarked no later than April 11, 2008. Applications for FY2006 funding are also being accepted until October 11, 2007. State departments of agriculture who wish to apply for both fiscal year 2006 and 2007 funds at the same time may submit one application postmarked no later that October 11, 2007. Details regarding the application process are available on the USDA website. For additional information, please contact Autumn Veazey, United Fresh legislative director and associate counsel at (202) 303-3427.
United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202 303 3400
Fax: 202 303 3433 united@unitedfresh.org
