SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — If you believe you have a new way to incorporate cover crop use so vineyards produce more grapes, or an idea that helps get more fresh fruit and vegetables to impoverished areas of the state, Illinois agriculture leaders may want to give you money to help put it in motion.

 

Applications for the next round of the federally funded Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are due by April 28, with packets available online through the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).

 

State officials are expecting Illinois’ share of the federal program for 2018 projects will total $525,000, if no significant appropriation changes occur to the existing federal farm bill. That total is up slightly from last year’s pool of $520,000.

 

During that grant period, there were a total of 16 projects that received grant funds, including one for Southern Illinois University researchers currently working on improving cover crop use in vineyards.

 

Raymond Poe, director of IDOA, said interest in the grant funds continues to grow.

 

“Over the years this grant program has become highly competitive, with the number of applications growing each year,” he said. “That is a testament to Illinois’ agriculture community. These projects have identified needs in our communities, and are encouraging more and more people to participate in agriculture and healthy lifestyles.”

 

Ideas for projects that benefit a specific commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual will not qualify for funding. Also, state officials advise that projects with a focus on farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-sponsored agriculture should seek funding through the USDA’s Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion grant program.

 

Qualifying projects would intend to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, something Illinois ranks at the top of in several areas.

 

Projects that would win funding can focus on several areas – including benefiting underserved communities and veterans, improving producer capacity with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, developing adaptation and mitigation strategies for farmers in drought-stricken regions, increasing opportunities for new and beginning farmers, developing strong local and regional food systems or protecting pollinator habitats and improving pollinator health.

 

The USDA defines specialty crops as fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

 

The state is the leading producer of pumpkins and horseradish and ranks in the top 10 in terms of acreage for cantaloupes, green peas, lima beans and sweet corn. Sales of all specialty crops totaled about $470 million in 2012, the last figure available from the USDA.

 

To obtain an application online, go to www.agr.state.il.us/specialty-crop-grants