HONOLULU – The state Department of Agriculture, Market Development Branch, is currently accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023.
The DOA will be awarding a total of approximately $450,000 to Hawaii proposals that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Project awards may range up to $50,000.
Under the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture allocated funding to each state based on the value of the specialty crops produced in the state.
Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). Much of Hawaii’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation. Eligible plants must be cultivated or managed and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops.
The primary goal in this grant program is to support projects that could provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop segment in Hawaii. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii-grown specialty crops, in either the domestic or foreign markets.
Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledgling crops and organic operations.
Information about the request for proposals (RFP23-03-MDB) is available on the State Procurement Office website at https://tinyurl.com/4t5dmuxx.
The Market Development Branch’s contact is Yukashi Smith at (808) 973-9627 or Yukashi.M.Smith@hawaii.gov.
The application deadline is noon on March 3, 2023.