Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Farm Bill 2025
ID: 358908Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS)

Award Range

$0 - $0

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Mandatory

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is inviting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for fiscal year 2025, with a total funding amount of approximately $72.9 million available to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Eligible applicants include state departments of agriculture, which can apply for base grants and additional funds based on specialty crop cash receipts, focusing on projects that promote food safety, pest control, and research, while prioritizing collaborative efforts over individual organizational benefits. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 7, 2025, and successful applicants will be required to comply with federal guidelines and report on project progress. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the program at SCBlockGrants@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal initiative by the USDA aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops through grant funding for eligible state departments of agriculture. For fiscal year 2025, approximately $72.9 million is available, with applications due by July 7, 2025. This year's program has seen notable changes, such as the reorganization of the request for applications and the removal of language emphasizing support for underserved farmers. Applicant states are eligible for a base grant plus additional funds based on specialty crop cash receipts. The program encourages multi-state projects and prioritizes projects enhancing food safety, pest control, and research on specialty crops, while excluding funding for projects solely benefitting individual organizations. The application process requires registered entities to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov, including detailed project narratives and budget plans. Successful applicants must comply with federal guidelines, report on project progress, and acknowledge USDA support in communications. The program aims to foster collaborative projects that collectively benefit the specialty crop industry, ensuring sustainable agriculture practices across the U.S.
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