State offers grants for specialty crops

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for up to $300,000 in federal grants. The money comes through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to increase the competitiveness of certain “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.”

The grants, funded through the federal Farm Bill, range between $5,000 and $50,000.

Past projects have included community-support agriculture programs, research and development of special strains, and marketing efforts for local crops. The grants are not available for regular field crops, such as corn, soy or animal agriculture.

There will be an informational workshop on April 12 at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover. Applications must be sent by 4:30 p.m. on May 15.