Specialty Crop Block Grants
Note: The grant application period is closed.
Wisconsin non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds. DATCP seeks applicants that will enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds are to be used to benefit the entire specialty crop industry as a whole and not provide direct profit to a specific organization, institution or individual.
Specialty crops are defined in law as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. A more comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops is at: US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Program.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
A federal grant program offered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service,
the purpose of the
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program is to competitively award funds
to projects
that enhance the competitiveness of specialty
crops by funding
collaborative, multi-state projects
that address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food
safety, plant pests and
disease, research; crop-specific
projects addressing common issues; and
marketing and promotion.
Specialty
crops include fruits and vegetables,
tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture,
and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Grant awards range
from
$250,000 to $1 million per project and projects
may last for
up to three years.
Specialty crop producer associations and groups,
state government agencies, Tribal government entities, universities,
nonprofits, and other stakeholder organizations are all eligible to apply. All SCMP proposals
must include at least two partners
(referred to as "multi-state partners") with
substantive involvement in the
project, and the multi-state partners must be
located in two different
states to qualify for the
program.
Note: The application period for the Specialty Crop Multi-State program is closed.
About the Specialty Crop program
The goal of the Specialty Crop program at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is to help specialty crop producers overcome obstacles, make their operation more profitable, and help them grow. We do this through field days, educational materials, workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance.
We can provide assistance or connect you with resources that address:
- Production issues
- Profitability
- Financing or financial management
- Organic Certification
- Marketing
- Distribution
- Transitioning
- Regulatory Hurdles
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