Source:  NCDA&CS

Dear Grant Applicant:
I am pleased to announce the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is presenting the 2011 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Manual. The purpose of this program is solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in North Carolina. For purposes of the program, specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops (including floriculture). Additionally, projects aimed at developing local and regional food systems and improving food access will be considered. Please read the manual for added details on eligibility requirements for specialty crops, grant applicants, and grant fund usage.

This manual is designed to instruct applicants in preparing successful grant application
packets for requesting funding assistance from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 amendments to the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004.

Please take the time to read this grant manual carefully and follow all given instructions. Incomplete application or applications that exceed the given page limits may be deemed ineligible.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services anticipates that these grant monies will be available to successful applicants by January 2012.

This manual contains general program information (Section I), funding priorities (Section I G), and application packet requirements (Section IV). Completed applications are due by
5 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2011.

Thank you for your interest in this important program. We look forward to receiving your application packet.
Sincerely,
Steven W. Troxler
Commissioner

Go to www.ncagr.gov for more info.