The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management/Division of Agriculture is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award two tracks of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds for traditional SCBG projects and Equipment Only Purchases that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
Donor Name: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
State: Rhode Island
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/28/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Specialty crops are defined by this federally supported program as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops including floriculture such as Christmas Trees, cut flowers, honey, hops, and turf grass production. Examples of enhancing the market competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: Research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, “buy local” programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives.
Funding Information
DEM anticipates that approximately $270,000 will be awarded to projects enhancing the competitiveness of Rhode Island specialty crops for Track 1, and approximately $100,000 will be awarded to equipment only projects for track 2.
Grant Period
- Track 1: All projects will begin no earlier than September 30, 2025, and end no later than September 29, 2027. There is no penalty if projects end prior to September 2027.
- Track 2: All equipment only funds must be expended by September 29th, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
- Track 1: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Each project must identify at least one expected measurable outcome and indicator that specifically demonstrates the project’s impact in enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds will not be awarded for projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. In addition, grant funds cannot be used to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent products or services. Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. Proposals should be initiated by organizations, industry groups, or academic institutions, or should involve collaboration or partnerships between producers, industry groups, academics, or other organizations. Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organization, or two or more individuals or organizations may propose a joint project. Applicants should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.
- Track 2: Specialty Crop Equipment Only Grant
- Applicants requested equipment purchases must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Applicants should describe how the purchasing of requested equipment affects and produces measurable outcomes for the sale and or consumption or increased growing capacity of specialty crops. Equipment should be related to advancements in water quality or food safety. Additionally, there will not be any No Cost Extensions for Track 2 Awards.
For more information, visit RIDEM.
