The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for reimbursement to Kansas specialty crop growers who attend the Great Plains Growers Conference held in St. Joseph, Missouri, Jan. 12–14, 2017.

KDA will reimburse Kansas specialty crop growers up to $145 for conference registration, and also offers a flat-fee conference travel stipend of $150. Both awards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for application is Jan. 6, 2017. Recipients will be required to attend the conference and to complete surveys before, immediately after and six months post-conference prior to payment being issued.

This program is made possible by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant. The SCBG grant makes funds available to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

This grant fits the vision of KDA to provide an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy.

More information about the Great Plains Growers Conference can be found at www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org.

For application details, go to the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/grants. Questions should be directed to Robin Blume, KDA education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or robin.blume@ks.gov.