Deadline for Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Proposals is Feb. 27

Feb 06, 2015

By Will Nichols

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals through Feb. 27 for projects that increase the visibility and competitiveness of the state’s nursery, horticultural and nut products.

The proposals are part of a two-phase competitive process for the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, authorized under the federal Farm Bill.

“Pennsylvania agriculture’s strength lies in its diversity, particularly our specialty crops that are the backbone of farm stands and farmers markets across the state,” said acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “I invite those with plans for improving the way we grow, market and consume specialty crops to submit grant proposals and help secure the future of this $1 billion industry.”

Commodities that meet the definition of specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural products, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants and nursery crops, including floricultural ones.

Applicants must submit a concept paper for projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through market development, technology innovation, food safety, nutrition knowledge, sustainable practices and pest management. Concept papers are about three pages in length and cover project purpose; estimated timeline; goals, objectives and expected measurable outcomes; work plan; and budget.

Requests may be made for any amount, providing the amount reasonably represents the cost of the intended project.

Each project must have measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Single organizations, institutions and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers the grant program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Proposals will be reviewed by a state-appointed specialty crop advisory board and approved by the state agriculture secretary. Successful applicants will then be asked to submit a full proposal based on the concept paper, due April 17.

Last year, 20 projects were approved in Pennsylvania totaling more than $1 million. Projects addressed a range of priorities in the agriculture industry, including food safety, marketing, nutrition, succession planning and sustainability.

Concept papers must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. Completed applications may be mailed to Morgan Sheffield, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Market Development, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 310, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.

Source:pa.gov

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.