Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

1. leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
2. assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;
3. expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and
4. addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, including a current list of eligible crops, visit the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service website.

Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture receives around $330,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems, sustainability, and increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.

Applicants may apply for up to $75,000 for a specific project with preference given to projects one year in duration. Matching funds are not required. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.

The application period for the 2024 Kansas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has closed.

If you are interested in this funding opportunity, we recommend reviewing the application resources listed below to prepare for the next grant cycle.

Application Resources

• 2024 Kansas Request for Applications
• 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Request for Applications
• SCBGP Project Profile Template
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service General Terms and Conditions
• Specialty Crop Block Grant Performance Measures
• Quick Start Guide to Getting a Unique Entity ID
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sample Project Profiles

Past Webinars

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Overview
Thursday, February 8, 2024 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Overview of the SCBG program and grant opportunity.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Walk Through
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Opportunity to walk through the application with the grant administrator and ask questions.

Grant Application Interest Form

If you are interested in being notified when the online application is open for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program grants, please provide your contact information below.