RFP: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a program administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Over $63.2 million in SCBGP grants are allocated to U.S. States and territories based on a formula that considers both specialty crop acreage and production value.

UDC staff and faculty (landgrant or full time faculty) may apply with research, outreach, or production based programs that in some way, increase the competitiveness of specialty  crops. Additionally, for-profit and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply, as long as they are promoting specialty crops and not seeking profit for an individual product or brand. 

These applications exclude projects focused on commodity crops, such as soybean/corn/rice. It includes most other vegetable/fruit/horticultural crops (including mushrooms, turfgrass, and ornamental crops). A complete list of eligible and ineligible specialty crops can be found on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant website. Eligibility and restrictions for funding and organizations are outlined in the RFP.

UDC has approximately $200,000 to award to outstanding projects that benefit District residents. Generally, projects that are accepted are between $10,000 and $50,000 across 2 years (start date, Feb 1, 2017). Generally, four to five projects are awarded each year. The due date for turning in applications is midnight, May 27, 2016. Applications should be mailed in Microsoft Word format (with additional supporting documents in PDF or Word) to Matthew Richardson or William Hare. 

Download the RFP and project submission template. Visit the CAUSES grants page to see the previous subawardees.