By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops in both domestic and international markets.
This initiative is designed to support a wide array of projects including marketing, research, expansion of access, and addressing production challenges specific to specialty crops.
The SCBGP will distribute approximately $1.25 million in grants through a competitive review process. Individual grants will be awarded ranging from $25,000 to $125,000. Importantly, applicants are not required to provide matching funds, making this an accessible opportunity for a diverse group of potential recipients.
Eligible applicants include producer organizations, nonprofit groups, government agencies, tribal organizations, and universities involved in Minnesota agriculture. Individual producers, for-profit businesses, or commercial entities may also apply, provided their projects offer broad benefits to the specialty crop industry and include a robust plan for widespread dissemination of the project results.
Specialty crops, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill, include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural and nursery crops, including floriculture. The grant aims to support projects that enhance the overall marketability and sustainability of these crops.
Prospective applicants have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, to submit their applications. Detailed program information, application guidelines, and examples of previously funded projects are available on the MDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program web page. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in the agricultural diversity and economic resilience of Minnesota’s farming community.
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Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy