Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture funds research and innovation to improve the health, safety, and competitiveness of Kentucky's specialty crops.
Funder: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Project Concept Proposal) | June 2027 (Full Application via Grants.gov)
Funding Amounts: Kentucky allocation: estimated $413,908; typical project duration up to 3 years; no set minimum or maximum for individual projects.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of Kentucky specialty crops through research, distribution efficiency, pest control, and food safety initiatives.
Key Information: A 25% cost share from non-Federal sources will be required for subawards starting in 2027.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture with funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, provides competitive grants to projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Kentucky. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, tree nuts, floriculture, and nursery crops. The program prioritizes initiatives with measurable outcomes that benefit the broader specialty crop industry, including pest and disease control, research (especially with conservation or environmental focus), distribution system improvements, and food safety. Projects must benefit more than just the applicant and should demonstrate a positive impact on Kentucky’s specialty crop sector.
