Funds available for South Dakota specialty crop advancement

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture announced recently that funds are available for Specialty Crop Block Grants.

The funds can be used for marketing, promotion, research, food safety, nutrition, distribution and best management practices to advance the specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are generally defined as fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and some turf and ornamental crops. A full list of specialty crops is also available on the SDDA website http://sdda.sd.gov/.

“These grants give farmers a way to increase the demand for the specialty crops they’re already growing,” says SDDA grant and loan specialist, Kimberly Sturm. “This year’s projects are maximizing the value of specialty crops and contributing to South Dakota’s greater agricultural economy.”

Stakeholders have identified this year’s top priorities as enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops through increased sales, increased consumption and sustainable practices of specialty crop production. The deadline for applications is May 1. Details explaining the application are available at https://sdda.sd.gov/grants/specialty-crop-block-grant/.

Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] and four printed copies, including an original must be mailed to SDDA at 523 E Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota 57501. Applications are due May 1.

For additional information please contact Kimberly Sturm at 605-773-4516 or visit her at SDDA’s Ag Development Office at 523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, South Dakota 57501

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve South Dakota agriculture for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.