MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grants through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Eligible projects include those that focus on enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop industries through research, education, or market development. DATCP encourages non-profit organizations, producer groups, government agencies, universities, and other agricultural organizations to apply. Applications may involve collaborations or partnerships between entities.
DATCP will use a competitive review process to select the most qualified projects. Selected projects will be included in Wisconsin’s state plan, which is submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval and funding.
Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years in duration. Typical projects receive between $10,000 and $100,000. Eligible project expenses include compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials, and supplies. In anticipation of receiving funding, selected project contracts and related work will begin in December 2024.
Grant information and application materials, including a video detailing the application process, are available at datcp.wi.gov/Pages/
Since 2007, this grant has provided funding for more than 330 projects, totaling more than $17.9 million in funding. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, herbs, and more. To find a full list of eligible crops and more information about the program, visit ams.usda.gov/services/grants/
