MO Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Missouri Specialty Crop Block Grant applications (SCBGP) are now being accepted for projects that "solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops". Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, maple syrup, honey, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). Applications are due May 10, 2011.

Applicants may request up to $30,000 in SCBGP funds for a two-year specialty crop project. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis and ranked by a peer review panel. Selected applications will be included in the Missouri Specialty Crop State Plan and reviewed and approved by the USDA.

Projects must impact and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Single organizations, institutions and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. Grant funds may not be used for administrative overhead. Awarded projects cannot begin until Oct. 1, 2011. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract. Applicants are encouraged to provide a cash match for their projects.

Note: Farmers’ Market improvement and expansion projects should be done through the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP). This program was created through a recent amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. The grants, authorized by the FMPP, are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Grant applications must be received by mail or fax and recorded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture before 4 p.m. on May 10, 2011. Late applications will not be accepted. In addition to mailing or faxing one hard copy, e-mail a copy of the entire application to the Ag Business Development Division.

Mailing Address
Missouri Department of Agriculture, Jennifer Brooks, SCBGP, 1616 Missouri Blvd., P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0630, abd@mda.mo.gov

View the Specialty Crop Block Grant-FB Guidelines

View Project Plan Examples (Sample Grants)

Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for State Fiscal Year 2011

Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for State Fiscal Year 2010

Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for State Fiscal Year 2009

Background
On Dec. 21, 2004, the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) amended the Specialty Crops Competiveness Act of 2004 and authorized the USDA to provide grants to states for each of the fiscal years 2008-2012 to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

Please contact Jennifer Brooks at 573-751-7213 if you have questions.