Grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops are due April 20 through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Commodity groups, ag organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies and ag nonprofits are eligible for the program. The ADAI and a committee of industry representatives will evaluate applications and make award recommendations to USDA.

Recipients will be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000.

Projects cannot begin until official agreements are signed, which is expected to happen this October.

Visit agi.alabama.gov/scbgp to learn more, or contact ADAI’s Johnny Blackmon at johnny.blackmon@agi.alabama.gov or (334) 240-7257.