Specialty Crop Block Grant
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grant supports producer, industry, and community-based organizations in projects that address grower needs and strengthen the competitiveness of South Carolina’s specialty crop industry.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Project funding varies; 1–3 years; historical average annual statewide allocation of $586,688
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of South Carolina’s specialty crop industry and benefit multiple stakeholders.
Key Information: Projects cannot directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.
Description
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) administers the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program using annual funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The program supports producer, industry, and community-based organizations undertaking projects that strengthen the competitiveness of South Carolina’s specialty crop industry. Funding must support activities benefiting specialty crops, with industry-wide benefit rather than private gain for a single recipient.
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. The competitive review emphasizes projects addressing specific grower needs, supported by external stakeholders, and offering feasible plans and measurable outcomes. Strongly scored proposals demonstrate broad benefits for South Carolina stakeholders, appropriate partnerships, reasonable budgets, and impacts extending beyond the project period.
