BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — Applications have officially opened for 2025 Specialty Crop Grants — which aim to reward producers in North Dakota who produce unique and valuable yields. Specialty crops are defined by the US Department of Agriculture as 'fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, and other forms of horticulture'. In North Dakota, these crops take the form of dry beans, peas, lentils, potatoes, confectionary sunflowers, grapes, honey, and multiple different vegetables. According to a press release from the ND Department of Agriculture, while North Dakota has not yet received an exact allocation from the USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service, the eventual funds will be distributed through grants to state farmers. “Projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in North Dakota are eligible for these grants,” stated Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring in the release. “We encourage organizations, institutions, and individuals to submit proposals on their own or in partnerships.” USDA to provide 3 million more electronic identification tags for U.S. ranchers Applications are available for a multitude of themed grants, including food safety, pest and disease control, the development of new seed varieties/specialty crops, and increasing child and adult knowledge or consumption of specialty crops. Projects that are designed to benefit single organizations, individuals, or commercial products may not apply. All applications for the grant program must be submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. on January 17, 2025. After a review and scoring process, Goehring will approve selected grants in May. Projects that are funded by these grants will then begin in October, and must be completed by September 30, 2027. For more information on the specialty grants, interested growers are asked to contact Jonathan Leonard by sending questions to [email protected], or calling 701-328-2191. Application forms and an information manual can also be found here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW