Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is seeking project proposals from the specialty crop industry in the state to present for funding from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). Proposals must enhance specialty crops throughout the state of Indiana. This solicitation is funded through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps State Departments of Agriculture 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 confront specialty crop producers.

ISDA administers the SCBGP for the state of Indiana. ISDA is seeking project proposals from farmers, ranchers, researchers, producers, and other practitioners in the specialty crop industry. Proposals must enhance specialty crops throughout the state of Indiana. Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note), amended under section 10010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79 (the Farm Bill), defines specialty crops as, “Fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)." For a detailed list of eligible specialty crops, please visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.

ISDA encourage applicants to development projects which address these issues affecting the specialty crop industry in Indiana:

• Enhancing food safety
• Assisting entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing GAP, GHP, and GMP
• Developing cost-share arrangement for funding GAP, GHP, and GMP audits for small farmers, packers, and processors
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Pest and disease control
• Developing local and regional food systems
• Improving food access in underserved areas
• Investing in research that focuses on conservation and environmental outcomes
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
• Support/promotion of the hydroponic/aquaponic industry
• Education/outreach to farmers on best practices
• Research/outreach on value-added products 

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state of Indiana to be to be eligible. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the proposed project will benefit the specialty crop industry and/or the public as a whole.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture encourages applicants to submit projects which actively engage and involve beginning, underserved, and veteran farmers/ranchers. For more information, see https://www.in.gov/isda/files/Indiana-SCBG-Notice-of-Funding-Opportunity-FFY2023_FINAL-02-08-2023.pdf#page=3. 

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Estimated Total Program Funding: