Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and nursery crops.

Grant funding is provided by the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. Ohio's 2021 grant will open early Spring 2021. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. In addition, all applicants must provide a minimum match of 25 percent of the requested grant amount.

Project proposals are sought that will advance the long-term economic viability of the state’s specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops. Higher rankings will be given to projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and that could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry.

Food and agricultural non-profit organizations, associations or commodity groups, universities and research institutions are eligible to submit specialty crop proposals. Projects that have a focus on the benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual will not be considered.

To view SCBG projects previously funded by USDA, visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/awards.

Full list of USDA approved Specialty Crops

Evaluation Plan (Performance Measures) (pdf)

SCBGP Templates and Performance Measures Q&A (pdf)

2020 SCBG

2020 SCBG Quarterly Report

2020 SCBG Reimbursement Form

2019 SCBG

2019 SCBG Quarterly Report

2019 SCBG Reimbursement Form

2018 SCBG

2018 SCBG Quarterly Report

2018 SCBG Reimbursement Form

2017 SCBG

2017 SCBG Quarterly Report

2017 SCBG Reimbursement Form

2021 SCBG-Timeline