CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now seeking applications for FY 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds will be awarded to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia. Six West Virginia projects were awarded a total of $284,618.10 in 2021.

“Specialty crop are vital to expanding, diversifying, and enhancing the impact agriculture has on our state’s economy. The Department is looking for projects that highlight how innovative programs and rural development groups can help West Virginia agriculture expand,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Our maple industry is a perfect example of a niche crop that has benefited from specialty crop funding.”

The state Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the WVDA. Recipients have two years to plan, implement and gather data on their respective projects. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.

The USDA awarded $72.4 million to 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories in 2021. The WVDA anticipates receiving approximately $270,000, from which multiple grants will be awarded.

RFA, application, instructions, and other information can be found https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/specialty-crop-block-grant/. Applications are due January 12, 2022.

For more information, contact Leslie Boggess, lboggess@wvda.us or 304-558-2210.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works.