Ag Notes Week Of 2/28/2022

By: 
Staff Writer

Specialty crop grant program begins

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. To qualify, the grants must be used to support projects that raise awareness about and increase demand for specialty crops grown in Ohio.
Eligible specialty crops include both fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
Grant applications should explain how projects will improve specialty crop production through marketing and promotions, research and development, expanding availability and access to specialty crops, or addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and that could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry are prioritized.
Ohio’s food and agricultural non-profit organizations, associations or commodity groups, universities and research institutions are eligible to apply. Private individuals and businesses are not eligible for this grant and applications for projects that directly benefit a particular product or generate a profit for a single organization, institution or individual will not be awarded.
Grant funding is provided by the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. The deadline for online grant proposal submissions is March 25 at 5 p.m.
Grants awards will range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. In addition, all applicants must provide a minimum match of 25 percent of the requested grant amount.
For more information on the 2022 program, available forms, or a copy of the request for proposal, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website at www.agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/markets/resources/SCBG.

Lucas SWCD tree sale
The Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District (Lucas SWCD) is accepting orders for the Annual Tree, Shrub, and Garden Sale through Friday, March 25.
Orders may be placed online at lswcd-tree.square.site.
This year’s sale includes several hardwoods including American Sycamore, Tupelo Black Gum, and Eastern Redbud, as well as flowering shrubs like Sweet Shrub and Snowberry.
Also available are four varieties of conifers as well as a Backyard Habitat Packet, Fruit Tree Packet and Native Seed Packets which contain seeds collected locally from the Oak Openings Region.
“Each year, the Lucas SWCD offers a unique selection of native and habitat trees, shrubs and plants to promote conservation in the landscape,” said Jamie Kochensparger, the Lucas SWCD Educator and Outreach Director. “These plants are offered at a low cost to encourage residents to help wildlife, provide soil and water benefits, and improve their properties.”
All orders must be picked up at the Lucas County Fairgrounds April 13 or April 14 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, call 419-893-1966.

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