The Illinois Department of Agriculture now is accepting proposals for federal specialty crop grants.  The agency has been notified Illinois will receive a share of the funds and instructed to begin the proposal selection process.  The exact amount of its award, however, has not been determined.  The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture.”  Grant Manager Delayne Reeves says it can be used in various ways, including in research, as well as in the promotion of marketing specialty crops.  The funds will come from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in the new Farm Bill.  Most recently, Illinois has been receiving about $600,000 a year and using the funds to open new markets for fresh, Illinois-grown produce, and Reeves says that should remain the same.  Nationally, Illinois ranks first for its pumpkin production and in the top ten in the production of specialty crops such as asparagus, cauliflower, peas and lima beans.  The IDOA will accept grant proposals until May 1, 2014, at 4 PM.  Visit the website at www.agr.state.il.us or by contacting Reeves at 217-524-9129.