Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG)
Forecasted
The Specialty Crop Block Grants from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture fund research and innovation projects that broadly enhance Tennessee’s specialty crop industry.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (project proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards up to $25,000 for first-time recipients; larger awards possible for experienced applicants; project duration usually 1–3 years.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness and long-term growth of Tennessee’s specialty crop industry, benefiting multiple producers.
Key Information: Not for start-ups or single operations; projects must benefit the broader specialty crop sector.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG), administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, fund projects that improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in Tennessee. Eligible crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural products such as nursery and floriculture crops. The program supports initiatives that provide broad, long-term benefits to the state’s specialty crop industry, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and impact across multiple producers or organizations. Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to the overall specialty crop sector in Tennessee, rather than individual farms or start-ups.
