The Connecticut Department of Agriculture solicits applications on an annual basis for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
Donor Name: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
State: Connecticut
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/04/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops by–
- leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
- assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;
- expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and
- addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.
Specialty crops are fruits; vegetables; tree nuts; honey; hops; maple syrup; mushrooms; culinary herbs and spices; medicinal plants; nursery crops (including Christmas trees); and floriculture.
Priorities
Research, development, and dissemination of innovative production practices to enhance farm viability, natural resource conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Market access (local, regional, national, or international), marketing, branding, and consumer education
- Producer collaboration—including establishing or strengthening producer associations and cooperatives
- Value chain enhancement—including strengthening relationships between producers, aggregators, processors, distributors, retail businesses, and consumers
- Pest and disease management
- Technical assistance to address efficiency, conservation, climate change, business viability, workforce development, labor issues, succession planning, and challenges facing beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers
- Enhancing food safety and improving the capacity of specialty crop businesses to comply with Food Safety Modernization Act or food safety audit program requirements
In addition, three new priority areas have been added for 2024:
- Programs for training, mentoring, apprenticeships, farmer circles, specialty crop conferences/stipends to support specialty crop farmers who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
- Projects and programs which support agricultural career development for specialty crop farmers who identify as BIPOC
- Training programs for individuals who identify as BIPOC that are aspiring to become agriculture service providers but require additional training and exposure to agriculture
Funding Information
- It is anticipated between $250,000 and $400,000 will be available to award.
- Projects can be funded for up to 33 months (2 years, 9 months).
Eligibility Criteria
Any Connecticut based entity may apply if the proposed project benefits Connecticut’s specialty crop industries and aligns with program requirements, including funding restrictions. Applicants must describe how the project will benefit and produce measurable outcomes for specialty crop industries and/or the public rather than a single specialty crop business, organization, or individual. They will not fund projects that primarily benefit a single business or that business’s product, organization, or individual. Single businesses, organizations, or individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.
For more information, visit Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
