The state Department of Agriculture is now taking applications for proposals that will enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii specialty crops in domestic or foreign markets.
The department will be awarding about $450,000 in total, with project awards ranging up to $50,000, according to a department news release Wednesday.
Specialty crops are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Much of Hawaii’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation. Eligible plants must be cultivated or managed and used by people for food, medicinal purposes and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops.
Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledgling crops and organic operations.
The application deadline is noon on March 3. A webinar on the grant is also available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOwX6vfATXM.
For more information or to apply, visit hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/22443.
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