Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB), 44211-44213 [E8-17477]

Download as PDF 44211 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 147 Wednesday, July 30, 2008 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Notice of the Specialty Crop Committee’s Stakeholder Listening Sessions Research, Education, and Economics, USDA. ACTION: Notice of stakeholder listening sessions. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App 2, the United States Department of Agriculture announces three stakeholder listening sessions of the Specialty Crop Committee, under the auspices of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. DATES: The Specialty Crop Committee will hold three stakeholder listening sessions August 20, 2008 from 1 p.m.– 4:30 p.m., August 21, 2008 from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. and on September 4, 2008 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. ADDRESSES: The stakeholder listening sessions of the Specialty Crop Committee will take place on August 20, 2008, at the Cotton Tree Inn, 2300 Market Street, Mt. Vernon, Washington 98273; August 21, 2008 at the Ellensburg Quality Inn, 1700 Canyon Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926; and September 4, 2008 at The Inn on the Lake, 770 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. The public may file written comments before or up to two weeks after the listening session with the contact person identified in this notice at: The National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 344–A, Jamie L. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250– 2255. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Hunter, Executive Director, VerDate Aug<31>2005 23:06 Jul 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board; telephone: (202) 720– 3684; fax: (202) 720–6199; or e-mail: khunter@csrees.usda.gov. The Specialty Crop Committee was established in accordance with the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 under Title III, Section 303 of Public Law 108–465. This Committee is a permanent committee of the National Agricultural Research Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (the Board). The Committee’s charge is to study the scope and effectiveness of research, extension, and economics programs affecting the specialty crop industry. The congressional legislation defines ‘‘specialty crops’’ as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops (including floriculture). In order to carry out its responsibilities effectively, the Committee is holding these stakeholder listening sessions. The Committee seeks stakeholder input from industry and state representatives, national organizations and institutions, local producers, agricultural researchers and extension educators, and other groups interested in the issues with which the Specialty Crop Committee is charged. Comments on measures to improve the efficiency, productivity, profitability and economic stability of specialty crop producers; on regional or national data or information needed by the industry to evaluate its competitive position; and on measures designed to improve the competitiveness of research, extension and economics programs affecting the industry are particularly sought. The format will focus on several panel sessions, each relating to one or more specific issues delineated in the Committee’s charge. Each panel will be followed with questions or comments by Committee members and from the floor. Opportunities for brief presentations and general discussion from the public participants will be provided. Also, written comments by attendees and other interested stakeholders will be welcomed as additional public input before and up to two weeks following the listening sessions. All statements will become part of the official public record of the Board’s Specialty Crop Committee. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Done at Washington, DC, this 24th day of July, 2008. Gale A. Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. E8–17391 Filed 7–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Doc. No. AMS–FV–08–0059; FV–08–380] Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP–FB) Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of withdrawal and republication of Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP– FB). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the July 9, 2008, Federal Register notice (73 FR 39278), which was published in error, announcing the availability of approximately $10 million in grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Today’s notice announces the availability of approximately $10 million in grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The funds announced under this program (SCBGP–FB) are separate from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds announced by AMS on March 5, 2008. SCBGP–FB funds are authorized by the recently enacted Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill). The application process to apply for the SCBGP–FB funds will parallel those currently found in 7 CFR Part 1290. Regulations to implement the amendments made in the 2008 Farm Bill will be published in the near future. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to develop their grant applications promptly. The 2008 Farm Bill makes the SCBGP–FB funds available only through the end of this fiscal year (September 30, 2008). This necessitates a short application period. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 44212 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 30, 2008 / Notices funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and community-based organizations in the development of applications and the administration of projects. DATES: Applications must be received not later than September 8, 2008. ADDRESSES: Applications may be sent to: SCBGP, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0235, Room 2077 South Building, Washington, DC 20250–0235. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trista Etzig, Phone: (202) 690–4942, email: trista.etzig@usda.gov or your State department of agriculture listed on the SCBGP and SCBGP–FB Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SCBGP is authorized under Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note.) and is currently implemented under 7 CFR Part 1290 (published September 11, 2007; 71 FR 53303). Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110–246 (the 2008 Farm Bill), amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004. AMS anticipates issuing regulations in the near future to implement the amendments made in the 2008 Farm Bill. The SCBGP and SCBGP–FB assist State departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Farm Bill 2008 Changes Section 10109 of the 2008 Farm Bill amended the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 by adding Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as eligible States and horticulture to the definition of specialty crop. Also, the minimum base grant each State is eligible to receive was amended to an amount that is equal to the higher of $100,000 or include 1/3 of 1 percent of the total amount of funding made available for that fiscal year. AMS anticipates issuing regulations in the near future to implement the amendments made in the 2008 Farm Bill. VerDate Aug<31>2005 23:06 Jul 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 SCBGP–FB Under the SCBGP–FB, specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: food safety, food security, nutrition, trade enhancement, education, research, promotion, marketing, plant health programs, ‘‘buy local’’ programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives. Each interested State department of agriculture is to submit one application on or before September 8, 2008 to the USDA contact noted in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Applications will only be accepted for funding under this Notice. State departments of agriculture who have not yet applied for the fiscal year 2008 SCBGP grant funds (published March 5, 2008; 73 FR 11859) will not be able to apply for both fiscal year 2008 funds in one application. The deadline for funding under the previously announced SCBGP remains March 5, 2009. The deadline for funding under this Notice is September 8, 2008. As a result of the 2008 Farm Bill, in fiscal year 2008 AMS will be administering two separate programs to assist State departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. While similar, the SCBGP and SCBGP–FB are distinct with different definitions and separate deadlines. Other organizations interested in participating in this program should contact their State department of agriculture. State departments of agriculture specifically named under the authorizing legislation should assume the lead role in SCBGP–FB projects, and use cooperative or contractual linkages with other agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry or community-based organizations as appropriate. Additional details about the SCBGP– FB application process for all applicants are available at the AMS Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/. To be eligible for a grant, each State department of agriculture’s application shall be clear and succinct and include the following documentation satisfactory to AMS: (a) Completed applications must include an SF–424 ‘‘Application for Federal Assistance’’. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (b) Completed applications must include one State plan to show how grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. SCBGP–FB grant funds will be awarded for projects of up to 3 years duration. An application that builds on a previously funded SCBGP project may also be submitted. In such cases, the State plan should indicate clearly how the project compliments previous work. The state plan shall include the following: (1) Cover page. Include the lead agency for administering the plan and an abstract of 200 words or less for each proposed project. (2) Project purpose. Clearly state the specific issue, problem, interest, or need to be addressed. Explain why each project is important and timely. (3) Potential Impact. Discuss the number of people or operations affected, the intended beneficiaries of each project, and/or potential economic impact if such data are available and relevant to the project(s). (4) Financial Feasibility. For each project, provide budget estimates for the total project cost. Indicate what percentage of the budget covers administrative costs. Administrative costs should not exceed 10 percent of any proposed budget. Provide a justification if administrative costs are higher than 10 percent. (5) Expected Measurable Outcomes. Describe at least two distinct, quantifiable, and measurable outcomes that directly and meaningfully support each project’s purpose. The outcome measures must define an event or condition that is external to the project and that is of direct importance to the intended beneficiaries and/or the public. (6) Goal(s). Describe the overall goal(s) in one or two sentences for each project. (7) Work Plan. Explain briefly how each goal and measurable outcome will be accomplished for each project. Be clear about who will do the work. Include appropriate time lines. Expected measurable outcomes may be long term that exceed the grant period. If so, provide a timeframe when long term outcome measure will be achieved. (8) Project Oversight. Describe the oversight practices that provide sufficient knowledge of grant activities to ensure proper and efficient administration. (9) Project Commitment. Describe how all grant partners commit to and work toward the goals and outcome measures of the proposed project(s). (10) Multi-State Projects. If a project is a multi-state project, describe how the States are going to collaborate effectively with related projects. Each E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 147 / Wednesday, July 30, 2008 / Notices State participating in the project should submit the project in their State plan indicating which State is taking the coordinating role and the percent of the budget covered by each State. Each State department of agriculture that submits an application that is reviewed and approved by AMS is to receive $100,000 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, AMS will allocate the remainder of the grant funds based on the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in the state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production using the latest available (2006 National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash receipt data for the 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 2002 Census of Agriculture for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and 2003 Census of Agriculture for American Samoa) specialty crop production data in all states whose applications are accepted. The amount of the base grant plus value of production available to each State department of agriculture shall be: (1) Alabama—$125,779.00 (2) Alaska—$101,521.00 (3) American Samoa—$103,471.00 (4) Arizona—$182,056.00 (5) Arkansas—$107,059.00 (6) California—$1,661,482.00 (7) Colorado—$149,569.00 (8) Connecticut—$123,322.00 (9) Delaware—$106,240.00 (10) District of Columbia—$100,000.00 (11) Florida—$477,169.00 (12) Georgia—$186,541.00 (13) Guam—$100,273.00 (14) Hawaii—$124,765.00 (15) Idaho—$166,690.00 (16) Illinois—$132,565.00 (17) Indiana—$125,311.00 (18) Iowa—$108,541.00 (19) Kansas—$106,240.00 (20) Kentucky—$107,995.00 (21) Louisiana—$115,054.00 (22) Maine—$120,202.00 (23) Maryland—$131,941.00 (24) Massachusetts—$122,932.00 (25) Michigan—$203,740.00 (26) Minnesota—$136,231.00 (27) Mississippi—$109,771.00 (28) Missouri—$112,168.00 (29) Montana—$107,566.00 (30) Nebraska—$111,817.00 (31) Nevada—$104,017.00 (32) New Hampshire—$106,279.00 (33) New Jersey—$152,260.00 (34) New Mexico—$120,670.00 (35) New York—$189,895.00 (36) North Carolina—$208,537.00 (37) North Dakota—$125,740.00 (38) Northern Mariana Islands— $100,117.00 VerDate Aug<31>2005 23:06 Jul 29, 2008 Jkt 214001 (39) Ohio—$168,562.00 (40) Oklahoma—$118,798.00 (41) Oregon—$240,868.00 (42) Pennsylvania—$181,081.00 (43) Puerto Rico—$120,631.00 (44) Rhode Island—$103,978.00 (45) South Carolina—$130,264.00 (46) South Dakota—$102,418.00 (47) Tennessee—$132,370.00 (48) Texas—$257,521.00 (49) Utah—$107,878.00 (50) Vermont—$103,861.00 (51) Virgin Islands—$100,078.00 (52) Virginia—$132,643.00 (53) Washington—$360,013.00 (54) West Virginia—$100,780.00 (55) Wisconsin—$161,035.00 (56) Wyoming—$101,755.00 Funds not obligated will be allocated pro rata to the remaining States which applied during the specified grant application period to be solely expended on projects previously approved in their State plan. In such event, a revised application shall be submitted, by a date before the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2008, determined by AMS, showing how the additional funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applicants submitting hard copy applications should submit one copy of the application package. The SF–424 must be signed (with an original signature) by an official who has authority to apply for Federal assistance. Hard copy applications should be sent only via express mail to AMS at the address noted at the beginning of this notice because USPS mail sent to Washington DC headquarters is sanitized, resulting in possible delays, loss, and physical damage to enclosures. AMS will send an e-mail confirmation when applications arrive at the AMS office. Applicants who submit hard copy applications are also encouraged to submit electronic versions of their application directly to AMS via e-mail addressed to scblockgrants@usda.gov in one of the following formats: Word (*.doc); or Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf). Alternatively, a standard 3.5 ‘‘ HD diskette or a CD may be enclosed with the hard copy application. Applicants also have the option of submitting SCBGP–FB applications electronically through the central Federal grants Web site, https:// www.grants.gov instead of mailing hard copy documents. Applicants considering the electronic application option are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with the Federal grants Web site and begin the application process well before the application deadline. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44213 SCBGP–FB is listed in the ‘‘Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance’’ under number 10.170 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all federally assisted programs. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 note. Dated: July 25, 2008. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E8–17477 Filed 7–29–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2008–0081] Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Clementines From Spain Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with regulations for the importation of clementines from Spain. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 29, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/ component/ main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS– 2008–0081 to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2008–0081, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2008–0081. Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 147 (Wednesday, July 30, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44211-44213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17477]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-08-0059; FV-08-380]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB)

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of withdrawal and republication of Notice of Funds 
Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block 
Grant Program-Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the 
July 9, 2008, Federal Register notice (73 FR 39278), which was 
published in error, announcing the availability of approximately $10 
million in grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty 
crops. Today's notice announces the availability of approximately $10 
million in grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, to enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops. The funds announced under this 
program (SCBGP-FB) are separate from the Specialty Crop Block Grant 
Program (SCBGP) funds announced by AMS on March 5, 2008. SCBGP-FB funds 
are authorized by the recently enacted Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill). The application process to apply for the 
SCBGP-FB funds will parallel those currently found in 7 CFR Part 1290. 
Regulations to implement the amendments made in the 2008 Farm Bill will 
be published in the near future. State departments of agriculture are 
encouraged to develop their grant applications promptly. The 2008 Farm 
Bill makes the SCBGP-FB funds available only through the end of this 
fiscal year (September 30, 2008). This necessitates a short application 
period. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant 
program

[[Page 44212]]

funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of 
agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State 
government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American 
Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture 
are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and community-
based organizations in the development of applications and the 
administration of projects.

DATES: Applications must be received not later than September 8, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Applications may be sent to: SCBGP, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Stop 0235, Room 2077 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-0235.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trista Etzig, Phone: (202) 690-4942, 
e-mail: trista.etzig@usda.gov or your State department of agriculture 
listed on the SCBGP and SCBGP-FB Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/
fv/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SCBGP is authorized under Section 101 of the 
Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note.) and 
is currently implemented under 7 CFR Part 1290 (published September 11, 
2007; 71 FR 53303). Section 10109 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246 (the 2008 Farm Bill), amends the 
Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004. AMS anticipates issuing 
regulations in the near future to implement the amendments made in the 
2008 Farm Bill. The SCBGP and SCBGP-FB assist State departments of 
agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.

Farm Bill 2008 Changes

    Section 10109 of the 2008 Farm Bill amended the Specialty Crops 
Competitiveness Act of 2004 by adding Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as 
eligible States and horticulture to the definition of specialty crop. 
Also, the minimum base grant each State is eligible to receive was 
amended to an amount that is equal to the higher of $100,000 or include 
1/3 of 1 percent of the total amount of funding made available for that 
fiscal year. AMS anticipates issuing regulations in the near future to 
implement the amendments made in the 2008 Farm Bill.

SCBGP-FB

    Under the SCBGP-FB, specialty crops are defined as fruits and 
vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops 
(including floriculture). Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of 
specialty crops include, but are not limited to: food safety, food 
security, nutrition, trade enhancement, education, research, promotion, 
marketing, plant health programs, ``buy local'' programs, increased 
consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced 
costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, 
product development, and developing cooperatives.
    Each interested State department of agriculture is to submit one 
application on or before September 8, 2008 to the USDA contact noted in 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Applications will only be 
accepted for funding under this Notice. State departments of 
agriculture who have not yet applied for the fiscal year 2008 SCBGP 
grant funds (published March 5, 2008; 73 FR 11859) will not be able to 
apply for both fiscal year 2008 funds in one application. The deadline 
for funding under the previously announced SCBGP remains March 5, 2009. 
The deadline for funding under this Notice is September 8, 2008. As a 
result of the 2008 Farm Bill, in fiscal year 2008 AMS will be 
administering two separate programs to assist State departments of 
agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. 
While similar, the SCBGP and SCBGP-FB are distinct with different 
definitions and separate deadlines. Other organizations interested in 
participating in this program should contact their State department of 
agriculture. State departments of agriculture specifically named under 
the authorizing legislation should assume the lead role in SCBGP-FB 
projects, and use cooperative or contractual linkages with other 
agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry or 
community-based organizations as appropriate.
    Additional details about the SCBGP-FB application process for all 
applicants are available at the AMS Web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/
fv/.
    To be eligible for a grant, each State department of agriculture's 
application shall be clear and succinct and include the following 
documentation satisfactory to AMS:
    (a) Completed applications must include an SF-424 ``Application for 
Federal Assistance''.
    (b) Completed applications must include one State plan to show how 
grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of 
specialty crops. SCBGP-FB grant funds will be awarded for projects of 
up to 3 years duration. An application that builds on a previously 
funded SCBGP project may also be submitted. In such cases, the State 
plan should indicate clearly how the project compliments previous work. 
The state plan shall include the following:
    (1) Cover page. Include the lead agency for administering the plan 
and an abstract of 200 words or less for each proposed project.
    (2) Project purpose. Clearly state the specific issue, problem, 
interest, or need to be addressed. Explain why each project is 
important and timely.
    (3) Potential Impact. Discuss the number of people or operations 
affected, the intended beneficiaries of each project, and/or potential 
economic impact if such data are available and relevant to the 
project(s).
    (4) Financial Feasibility. For each project, provide budget 
estimates for the total project cost. Indicate what percentage of the 
budget covers administrative costs. Administrative costs should not 
exceed 10 percent of any proposed budget. Provide a justification if 
administrative costs are higher than 10 percent.
    (5) Expected Measurable Outcomes. Describe at least two distinct, 
quantifiable, and measurable outcomes that directly and meaningfully 
support each project's purpose. The outcome measures must define an 
event or condition that is external to the project and that is of 
direct importance to the intended beneficiaries and/or the public.
    (6) Goal(s). Describe the overall goal(s) in one or two sentences 
for each project.
    (7) Work Plan. Explain briefly how each goal and measurable outcome 
will be accomplished for each project. Be clear about who will do the 
work. Include appropriate time lines. Expected measurable outcomes may 
be long term that exceed the grant period. If so, provide a timeframe 
when long term outcome measure will be achieved.
    (8) Project Oversight. Describe the oversight practices that 
provide sufficient knowledge of grant activities to ensure proper and 
efficient administration.
    (9) Project Commitment. Describe how all grant partners commit to 
and work toward the goals and outcome measures of the proposed 
project(s).
    (10) Multi-State Projects. If a project is a multi-state project, 
describe how the States are going to collaborate effectively with 
related projects. Each

[[Page 44213]]

State participating in the project should submit the project in their 
State plan indicating which State is taking the coordinating role and 
the percent of the budget covered by each State.
    Each State department of agriculture that submits an application 
that is reviewed and approved by AMS is to receive $100,000 to enhance 
the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, AMS will allocate 
the remainder of the grant funds based on the proportion of the value 
of specialty crop production in the state in relation to the national 
value of specialty crop production using the latest available (2006 
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash receipt data for 
the 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 2002 Census of 
Agriculture for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands, and 2003 Census of Agriculture for 
American Samoa) specialty crop production data in all states whose 
applications are accepted.
    The amount of the base grant plus value of production available to 
each State department of agriculture shall be:

(1) Alabama--$125,779.00
(2) Alaska--$101,521.00
(3) American Samoa--$103,471.00
(4) Arizona--$182,056.00
(5) Arkansas--$107,059.00
(6) California--$1,661,482.00
(7) Colorado--$149,569.00
(8) Connecticut--$123,322.00
(9) Delaware--$106,240.00
(10) District of Columbia--$100,000.00
(11) Florida--$477,169.00
(12) Georgia--$186,541.00
(13) Guam--$100,273.00
(14) Hawaii--$124,765.00
(15) Idaho--$166,690.00
(16) Illinois--$132,565.00
(17) Indiana--$125,311.00
(18) Iowa--$108,541.00
(19) Kansas--$106,240.00
(20) Kentucky--$107,995.00
(21) Louisiana--$115,054.00
(22) Maine--$120,202.00
(23) Maryland--$131,941.00
(24) Massachusetts--$122,932.00
(25) Michigan--$203,740.00
(26) Minnesota--$136,231.00
(27) Mississippi--$109,771.00
(28) Missouri--$112,168.00
(29) Montana--$107,566.00
(30) Nebraska--$111,817.00
(31) Nevada--$104,017.00
(32) New Hampshire--$106,279.00
(33) New Jersey--$152,260.00
(34) New Mexico--$120,670.00
(35) New York--$189,895.00
(36) North Carolina--$208,537.00
(37) North Dakota--$125,740.00
(38) Northern Mariana Islands--$100,117.00
(39) Ohio--$168,562.00
(40) Oklahoma--$118,798.00
(41) Oregon--$240,868.00
(42) Pennsylvania--$181,081.00
(43) Puerto Rico--$120,631.00
(44) Rhode Island--$103,978.00
(45) South Carolina--$130,264.00
(46) South Dakota--$102,418.00
(47) Tennessee--$132,370.00
(48) Texas--$257,521.00
(49) Utah--$107,878.00
(50) Vermont--$103,861.00
(51) Virgin Islands--$100,078.00
(52) Virginia--$132,643.00
(53) Washington--$360,013.00
(54) West Virginia--$100,780.00
(55) Wisconsin--$161,035.00
(56) Wyoming--$101,755.00

    Funds not obligated will be allocated pro rata to the remaining 
States which applied during the specified grant application period to 
be solely expended on projects previously approved in their State plan. 
In such event, a revised application shall be submitted, by a date 
before the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2008, determined by 
AMS, showing how the additional funds will be utilized to enhance the 
competitiveness of specialty crops.
    Applicants submitting hard copy applications should submit one copy 
of the application package. The SF-424 must be signed (with an original 
signature) by an official who has authority to apply for Federal 
assistance. Hard copy applications should be sent only via express mail 
to AMS at the address noted at the beginning of this notice because 
USPS mail sent to Washington DC headquarters is sanitized, resulting in 
possible delays, loss, and physical damage to enclosures. AMS will send 
an e-mail confirmation when applications arrive at the AMS office.
    Applicants who submit hard copy applications are also encouraged to 
submit electronic versions of their application directly to AMS via e-
mail addressed to scblockgrants@usda.gov in one of the following 
formats: Word (*.doc); or Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf). Alternatively, a 
standard 3.5 `` HD diskette or a CD may be enclosed with the hard copy 
application.
    Applicants also have the option of submitting SCBGP-FB applications 
electronically through the central Federal grants Web site, https://
www.grants.gov instead of mailing hard copy documents. Applicants 
considering the electronic application option are strongly urged to 
familiarize themselves with the Federal grants Web site and begin the 
application process well before the application deadline.
    SCBGP-FB is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance'' under number 10.170 and subject agencies must adhere to 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in 
all federally assisted programs.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 note.

    Dated: July 25, 2008.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-17477 Filed 7-29-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.