The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program to carry out projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state of Indiana.
Donor Name: Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)
State: Indiana
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/04/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The Specialty Crop Block Grant program helps State Departments of Agriculture enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops throughout the state of Indiana 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 confront specialty crop producers.
- For such other purposes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop stakeholders and relevant State departments of agriculture.
- Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Funding Information
ISDA is making $416,350.00 available for award in the competitive solicitation process.
Grant Period
Sept. 30, 2025 – Sept. 29, 2027.
Eligible Projects
- Projects which enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state of Indiana are eligible for the SCBGP. Applicants demonstrate the proposed project will benefit the specialty crop industry and the public at large. Examples of eligible projects may include but are not limited to:
- Researching new cultivars;
- Providing outreach opportunities for specialty crops; and
- Marketing specific specialty crops through a targeted promotional campaign.
- Activities or tasks that are eligible and could be a part of such projects may include, but are not limited to:
- The USDA has identified several issues impacting the Indiana specialty crop industry and the specialty crop industry at large. The USDA strongly encourages applicants to develop projects which:
- Enhance food safety;
- Invest in specialty crop research, including that which focuses on conservation and environmental outcomes;
- Develop new/improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
- Improve pest and disease control methods;
- Increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
- Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems; and/or,
- Create sustainable long-term environmental outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Any for-profit or non-profit entity, local unit of government (e.g., incorporated cities/towns or counties), or public/private institutions of higher education (IHEs) may apply for the SCBGP. Sole proprietors may apply if they are properly registered with the Indiana Department of Revenue and meet all other eligibility requirements.
For more information, visit ISDA.