Specialty Crop Grants Finalists Pt 1

Specialty Crop Grants Finalists Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. Specialty crops are a big deal in Washington's diverse agricultural landscape and the state Department of Agriculture has sent along 20 projects to the USDA for approval on $4.1-Million in federal grants.

Grant Administrator, Leisa Schumaker says there's a lot up for grabs for specialty crops in Washington ...

LEISA SCHUMAKER ... "You know, it changes every year a little bit Bob. There's a formula that's used for our program, the program which is funded through the Farm Bill and it's based on a couple of different things. It's based on the value of production of the specialty crops in the state as well as the number of acreage. So, with those two things, they come up with a number and for 2017 it was about $4.1 million. Last year it was $4.2, so it changes every year just a little bit. But, we are second amongst all U.S. states and territories to receive the most funding. We're behind California."

Schumaker says Washington's varied terrains allows for a wide array of different crops...

LEISA SCHUMAKER ... "You know, we're very diverse, but we also have so many regions in the state that we're able to grow specialty crops which really helps with the production. A lot of Washington is growing some sort of specialty crop."

Shumaker says they received about 85 concept proposals this year that was pared down to just 53 asked for their full proposals.

Listen tomorrow for more Specialty Crop Grants and who is eligible.

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