The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce that grant funds are available to begin a community or school orchard project through the Local Foods Initiative. Grants from $500 to $7,000 will be available on a competitive basis.

NDSU Extension Service produced a wonderful publication in 2011 entitled “Starting a Community Orchard in North Dakota” with the support and cooperation of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Grant. This 47 page document is a guide to help North Dakotans start community or school orchards, and includes the basics of establishing an orchard and selecting cultivars. With help from NDSU Extension and communities around the state, this grant opportunity will increase North Dakotans’ access to locally grown fruit and encourage fruit consumption.

Some of the goals that we hope schools and community partners adopt include:

• Connecting people to fruits, trees and nature
• Increased community engagement
• Increased awareness in specialty crops
• Service learning opportunities
• Better nutritional habits and awareness
• Growing one’s own food and increased access to food

Deadline: Grant applications must be received by March 15, 2013

A decision on the grant requests are expected to be made by April 1, 2013.

2013 Application

Community Orchard Guide for Beginners

For additional information please contact Emily Edlund at ND Dept. of Agriculture: edlund@nd.gov or 701-328-2191.