GRANT APPLICATIONS

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association is proud to announce the Cold Storage Cost Share Program. Through funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, farmers can get reimbursed up to $750 for installing a Cool-Bot cooler system. Farmers can receive reimbursements for purchasing and installing up to two (2) Cool-Bot cooler systems.

The South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association is pleased to announce the Value-Added Packaging Cost Share Program. Through funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, farmers can receive reimbursement up to $1,800 per year, or $1350 for nonmembers, per farm for packaging costs. An additional $200 may be requested for the use of value-added packaging, consisting primarily of sustainable materials that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. This additional reimbursement will be provided at the discretion of the SC Specialty Crop Growers Association and the SCDA. Packaging is an essential part of marketing and selling specialty crops and can be an expensive input for farmers, especially in the early stages of their business. This program is designed to help alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with farming and encourage growers to expand their market outlets. Reimbursements are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are depleted.