The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2010 Specialty Crop Grants.
Specialty crops are defined as "fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture," such as the dry beans, grapes, honey, potatoes and various vegetables grown commercially in the state.
Grants, issued up to $100,000, can be used for such projects as improved seed varieties, specialty crop research, pest and disease control, enhancing food safety, reducing transportation costs and developing local food systems among others, but the projects must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole or increase the competitiveness of an individual specialty crop.
Information and application material can be found at (www.agdepartment.com). Applications must be submitted in both electronic and written form by May 17. Grants will be awarded in October and November and projects must be completed by March 31, 2012.