Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

1. leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
2. assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;
3. expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and
4. addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, including a current list of eligible crops, visit the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service website.

FY25 Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is expected to receive $330,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems, sustainability, and increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.

The application period for the FY25 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is closed. Applications are currently under review.

Resources

• FY25 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Request for Applications
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service General Terms and Conditions
• Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Performance Measures
• Quick Start Guide to Getting a Unique Entity ID
• Frequently Asked Questions

Past Webinars

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Overview

Overview of the SCBG program and grant opportunity. View the recording from February 19 by clicking the link above. 

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Walk Through

Opportunity to walk through the application with the grant administrator and ask questions. View the recording from March 6 by clicking the link above. 

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Walk Through Budget Follow Up

A follow up walk through of the budget section of the application. View the recording by clicking the link above.