Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

Type: Block grants awarded directly to State departments of agriculture

Max award: Varies by state

Big idea: States administer grant program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, floriculture), including locally grown and consumed specialty crops.

Who can apply: State departments of agriculture award funds to a range of specialty crop stakeholders

Possibilities: This program supports a State's specialty crop funding priorities including statewide and local food systems, all of which must solely support specialty crops, including:

• School and community gardens;
• Farm-to-school programs;
• GAP certification and training for farmers;
• Facilities that support the processing, aggregation, and distribution of locally grown specialty crops;
• Improving access to specialty crops in underserved communities.

Real example: USDA provided $474,000 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture to partner with the University of California to work with several school districts and their regional partners to expand their procurement of local seasonal fresh produce, integrate a specialty crop nutritional curriculum by providing outreach and professional development to school personnel, and assess changes in food preferences and dietary behaviors of children in participating schools.

Get more information: For more program information click here, and to find information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in your state, including how to apply, click here.