Navigation

Public Records Request
Natural Resources Building
P.O. Box 42560
1111 Washington ST SE
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Phone: (360) 902-1800

SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Back
Home / Services / Grant Opportunities / Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

What do you need today?

SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

For more information email the SCBGP staff or call (360) 485-1255

Application Process


Application period for Concept Proposals is now closed for Funding Year 2024. To apply, download the Request for Proposals (RFP) [PDF]. The RFP will give you the instructions you need to apply. We highly encourage you to read the RFP thoroughly prior to applying. 

Note: This FY2024 competitive process is for projects that will have a performance period beginning no earlier than 9/20/24 and ending no later than 9/29/27.

Timeline


Phase I Concept Proposal (Subject to change)
September 20, 2023 Request for Proposals released
October 24, 2023 Concept Proposals due, 12:00pm PST
November, 2023 Notification and feedback to applicants
Phase II Full Proposal (only by invitation)
November 20, 2023 Request for Proposals released
February 1, 2024 Grant Proposals due, 12:00pm PST
March 14, 2024 Notification and feedback to applicants
May 1, 2024 WSDA Application due to USDA

 

Eligible Organizations

Eligible organizations include:
  • industry associations
  • producer groups
  • commodity commissions
  • non-profit organizations
  • for-profit organizations
  • local, state, and federal government entities
  • educational institutions
Projects cannot benefit a single commercial product. Projects cannot provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete with private companies. 

Definition of a Specialty Crop

A specialty crop is:
  • fruits and vegetables
  • tree nuts
  • dried fruits
  • horticulture
  • nursery crops (including floriculture)
Eligible specialty crop plants are cultivated for food, medicinal purposes, or beautification. Processed goods should consist of more than 50% of the specialty crop by weight.
 
For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, see Definition of Specialty Crop.

Acceptable Projects

  • A non-profit requests funds to show the viability of organic small fruit production. They partner with University Extension to promote the working model to other regional growers.
  • A state requests funding to contract with a university to conduct research on the feasibility of planting, cultivating, and growing a specialty crop in a specific area, the results of which will be shared with growers throughout the state

Unacceptable Projects

  • A company requests funds to buy starter plants or equipment to grow specialty crops to make a profit or to expand production for single organization.
  • A single specialty crop organization requests funds to promote themselves to increase membership.

Authority and Program Purpose

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program- Farm Bill is authorized by section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) of Public Law 108-465; amended under section 10107 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-343, and implemented under 7 CFR part 1291 (published March 27, 2009; 74 FR 13313).
 

The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.