Specialty Crop Block Grant
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grant supports Connecticut specialty crop producers through research, marketing, education, and technical assistance projects that strengthen competitiveness and benefit the public.
Funder: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per applicant for up to 33 months; no minimum award or match requirement
Summary: Supports projects that enhance Connecticut specialty crop competitiveness and deliver measurable benefits to producers and/or the public.
Key Information: Applicants must be Connecticut-based, and projects must benefit more than one specialty crop business, individual, or organization.
Description
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture administers the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program annually using funds from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. The program supports marketing and promotion, research and development, expanded crop availability and access, and responses to challenges facing specialty crop producers. Projects must address Connecticut producer needs and demonstrate measurable improvements in specialty crop competitiveness rather than primarily benefiting a single business or product.
Eligible crops include fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, honey, hops, maple syrup, mushrooms, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, horticulture, nursery crops—including Christmas trees—and floriculture. The department encourages innovative projects that develop new knowledge and strengthen specialty crop businesses in local, domestic, and international markets.
