Specialty crop block grant workshop set for April 26

University of Missouri Extension will host a Specialty Crop Block Grant writing workshop in Springfield from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 26. A portion of the workshop will focus on scaling-up production of specialty crops according to organizer Pam Duitsman, nutrition and health education specialist with MU Extension.

The term “specialty crop” is a designation by USDA that includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, honey and horticulture (including floriculture and nursery plants).

“These crops are gaining attention across the US as the demand for “local food” continues to grow,” said Duitsman. “Specialty crops are distinguished from field crops such as soybeans, hay and wheat.”

A table showing all forms of crops considered “specialty crops” can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.

“Consumers are increasingly demanding more specialty crops, which has initiated a trend for many markets to try to offer a wider range and year-round availability of specialty crops,” said Duitsman.

Science and technology advances have helped to accomplish this expansion of specialty crops according to Duitsman. However, there are still many times when local and even domestic supply is inadequate.

For example, many specialty crops still need to be imported during cold months to meet consumer demand.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered through the Missouri Department of Agriculture to support the production, marketing, and consumption of specialty crops and more information can be found at http://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/specialtycrop.php.

“To ensure funding, each project proposal should include at least one of the eight outcomes. All marketing and promotion projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through increased sales,” said Duitsman.

All eight outcomes include:

1. Focus efforts to increase sales, advertising, promotion, and/or marketing. Generate publicity, attract new customers, or raise customer awareness for your specialty crops or a specialty crop venue;

2. Increase consumption of your specialty crop;

3. Increase access and awareness of your specialty crop;

4. Increase the capacity of sustainable practices of specialty crop production resulting in increased yield, reduced inputs, increased efficiency, increased economic return, and/or conservation of resources;

5. Create more sustainable, diverse, and resilient specialty crop systems;

6. Increase the number of viable technologies to improve food safety indicators;

7. Improve understanding of threats to food safety from microbial and chemical sources; and

8. Enhance or improve the economy as a result of specialty crop development.

“If any of these outcomes match up with your goals, you will want to attend this workshop to learn how to write a grant to receiving funding,” said Duitsman. “In addition to grant-writing specifics, the workshop will also offer education on scaling up of specialty crops.”

Scaling up increases farmer capacity to effectively produce high-quality products in larger quantities for local and regional markets.

“Scaling up means connecting to markets beyond the direct relationship between farmer and consumer. It refers to taking production to a higher-volume to make locally and sustainably produced food available in more places to more people,” said Duitsman.

Aggregating and distributing locally produced foods is also important for scaling up, so that locally produced foods can be found in nearby restaurants, grocers, hospitals, University and College campus dining, farm to school programs, etc.

To register for the workshop, visit Greene County MU Extension online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene or call 417-881-8909. There is a charge of $25 per person for the workshop and lunch will be provided.