The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its 2012 specialty crop grant program.

Kansas will receive nearly $260,000 for the program this year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. The money is given to projects and organizations in Kansas that promote competitiveness of specialty crops.

The Agriculture Department defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, floriculture and nursery crops.

Deadline for applications is May 18.