Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) supports Rhode Island specialty crop producers through research, marketing, education, and plant health projects that strengthen their crops’ competitiveness.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Grant proposals)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $270,000 available in the 2026 round; no maximum award; no match required
Summary: Supports research, marketing, education, and other projects that enhance the competitiveness of Rhode Island specialty crops.
Key Information: Projects must benefit the specialty crop industry or public, not a single commercial product, organization, or individual.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federally supported competitive grant program administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture. It supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of Rhode Island specialty crops in domestic or foreign markets. Eligible crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Rhode Island’s program also identifies Christmas trees, cut flowers, honey, hops, and turf grass production.
Supported activities include research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, education, food safety, food security, and plant health. Projects may strengthen “buy local” programs, increase consumption, foster innovation, improve distribution efficiency, reduce distribution costs, address environmental conservation, develop products, or establish cooperatives. DEM seeks projects producing the greatest measurable benefits for Rhode Island specialty crop producers relative to each dollar spent.
