LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is now seeking proposals for its specialty crop block grant program.

The program is designed to promote specialty crops such as potatoes, dry edible beans, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. The submission deadline is April 1 at 5 p.m.

Director Greg Ibach says the program has proven successful in recent years, and has received grants from different parts of the state.

The program is administered by the state and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For the 2016 program, state officials expect to receive about $620,000.

Producers, organizations and associations, state and local agencies and educational groups are all eligible to apply.

More information is available on the Department of Agriculture’s website at http://1.usa.gov/1QHj7Kx .