Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
This grant funds research and projects to improve the competitiveness, safety, and sustainability of Kentucky’s specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, and horticultural products.
Funder: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027: Project Concept Proposal submission deadline (projected) | June 2027: Full application submission deadline via Grants.gov (projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical Kentucky allocation: ~$414,000 total; individual project awards and durations vary (up to 3 years).
Summary: Funds projects that enhance the competitiveness of Kentucky’s specialty crops, benefiting the broader industry through research, pest control, distribution, and food safety.
Key Information: A 25% cost share for subawards and a 10% state match are anticipated to be required starting with the 2027 cycle.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Kentucky. The program uses a two-tier competitive grant process and seeks projects that benefit the broader specialty crop industry and public, not just individual applicants. Eligible projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes in areas such as research (including conservation and environmental outcomes), pest and disease control, distribution efficiency, and food safety. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, tree nuts, Christmas trees, dried fruits, and horticultural/nursery crops (including floriculture). The program is authorized under the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 and subsequent amendments.
