Department of Agriculture Announces Funding for Missouri Special Crops

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting funding proposals through the Specialty Crops Block Grant program. The Department received SCBG Covid Stimulus-PPE funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Interested specialty crop growers working to respond to the impacts of Covid-19 should apply by May 16, 2022.

“Special crops play a vital role in Missouri agriculture,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “We appreciate the value the USDA places on the production of specialty crops in our state. These recovery funds will further enable our producers to recover from the negative impacts of Covid-19. »

The USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. The ministry is providing funding to assist agricultural workers, mitigate supply chain disruptions and reimburse specialty crop growers and industry partners for resources purchased to respond to COVID-19.

Cash or in-kind matching contributions are not required.

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mitigation of Specialty Crop Grower and/or Consumer Issues Caused by COVID-19
• Assist in the protection of farm workers from COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to: gloves, masks, clothing coverings, and hand sanitizer
• Portable air filtration systems
• Portable hand washing stations
• Misting systems
• Facility adjustments including plexiglass barriers and spacing adjustments
• Software systems for online ordering and contactless pickup up to $5,000
• Tools to keep the workflow moving without constant disinfection

Costs such as permanent infrastructure, specialty culture donations, and worker transportation, except specifically for travel to receive COVID-19 vaccines, are not allowed.

Proposals for stimulus funding must be submitted to the Department by 3 p.m. on May 16, 2022. Proposals will be evaluated and selected projects will be submitted to the USDA for review and approval.

For more information: agriculture.mo.gov.