Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Funds projects to improve the production, competitiveness, and sustainability of Massachusetts specialty crops through research, education, and industry-wide initiatives.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Full application / submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $20,000–$100,000 per project; project periods generally up to 2 years.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the production, competitiveness, and sustainability of specialty crop industries in Massachusetts.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) provides funding for projects that improve the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crop industries in Massachusetts. The program supports a wide range of initiatives, including increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, improving distribution systems, implementing food safety practices, and conducting research on conservation, pest and disease control, new seed varieties, and sustainable production. Projects must benefit the broader specialty crop sector rather than individual businesses or products.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). The program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) in partnership with the USDA.
