Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) projects "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).

Specialty Crop Block Grant Concept Paper Application Process

SCBGP funds may be used for a specialty crop project lasting up to two years. Concept Paper applications are considered on a competitive basis and ranked by an internal review panel. Only two submissions per entity (i.e. institution, organization, non-profit) are allowed with a limit of $5,000 total for personnel and fringe benefits. Selected Concept Paper applications will be invited to submit a full proposal and will be ranked by a peer review panel. Selected full proposals are 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. The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s funding priorities include expanding local, regional and international markets and distribution channels for specialty crops, as well as facilitating education and marketing.

Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract. Applicants are encouraged to provide a cash match for their projects. Grant funds may not be used for administrative overhead.

Applications received from participants who have applied and received SCBGP grant awards at least twice will be reviewed and considered for funding after first-time applicants have the opportunity to compete.

2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Concept Paper Application Form

2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Guidelines

2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Concept Paper Rubric

Schedule

Friday, March 1, 2013 - Request for concept papers published
Friday, March 29, 2013 - Concept paper applications due to MDA (Late submittals will not be accepted)

Monday, April 22, 2013 - Invitation by MDA to submit full grant proposals
Monday, May 13, 2013 - Full grant proposals due to MDA
Friday, June 14, 2013 - Subgrantee partners selected by MDA
Friday, June 28, 2013 - MDA state application submitted to USDA
October/November 2013 - Award announcements from USDA