Thursday, October 9, 2025
41.1 F
Beckley
More

    WVDA accepting requests for specialty crop block grant applications

    The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is now seeking requests for applications for 2020 specialty crop block grants. Funds awarded are used to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia.

    Advertisement

    State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt called the capital access program vital.

    “One of the largest barriers to small business development is access to capital," Leonhardt said. "This is even more true for agriculture-based businesses.

    “The goal of these grants is to bridge that capital gap by either conducting research or finding ways to expand markets for specialty crop businesses.”

    Advertisement

    The state Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the state department.

    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.

    "For West Virginia agriculture and the state’s economy to move forward, we must think small. Focusing on how we develop niche markets to diversify our economy will be key to West Virginia’s future. We encourage anyone who has a unique idea on how to do just that to apply,” Leonhardt said.

    There are two changes for fiscal year 2020 grants. First, the floor and ceiling for grant funding have been adjusted to $15,000 and $100,000 respectively.

    Advertisement

    Second, projects will run for two-year cycles instead of the previous three-year cycles.

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

    Applications are due January 8, 2020. Application, instructions, and other information can be found .

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

    Advertisement

    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Bianca Bosworth
    Bianca Bosworthhttp://wvexplorer.com
    Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County home.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    How an obscure, mysterious writer in West Virginia invented UFO lore as we know it

    RIFFLE, W.Va.— The blockbuster Men in Black film franchise...

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted...

    Swing into autumn with West Virginia’s three new Almost Heaven swings

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of...

    Mysterious Wetzel County worm invasion wreaked havoc in West Virginia in 1918

    LITTLETON, W.Va. — In the summer of 1918, a...

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a...

    Topics

    How an obscure, mysterious writer in West Virginia invented UFO lore as we know it

    RIFFLE, W.Va.— The blockbuster Men in Black film franchise...

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted...

    Swing into autumn with West Virginia’s three new Almost Heaven swings

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of...

    Risk of West Virginia wildfires increases in 2025 amid dry autumn conditions

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The crackle of autumn leaves underfoot...

    Investigator: West Virginia ground-zero for UFO research, ET encounters

    GREEN BANK, W.Va. — A renowned paranormal investigator says...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories