How to Apply

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APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT FUNDING

The purpose of the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. USDA defines specialty crops as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Enhancing competitiveness may include developing local and rural food systems and improving food access in underserved communities.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is part of the Farm Bill. It is administered across the nation by state departments of agriculture. In North Dakota, applicants submit proposals for the federal funding through NDDA. Successful applicants will execute all aspects of the grant proposal approved by USDA while NDDA monitors progress and acts as the fiscal agent.

Grant funds will not be awarded to projects that solely benefit a specific commercial product. It will not benefit products that provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Grant funds cannot be put toward capital expenditures (equipment, buildings, land). They also may not be used to make improvements to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life. Each project funded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will be carried out over a two-year timeframe.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Proposals will be accepted from non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities, and other organizations related to North Dakota’s specialty crop industry. Individuals, individual producers, for-profit businesses, or commercial entities may submit proposals. However, the project must focus on research, education, or demonstration and must benefit the specialty crop industry in a manner that can be replicated by other organizations.

Additional notes to help you determine whether your project is eligible:

Projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Consider carefully whether your project is likely to have “spillover” benefits for non-specialty crops and whether the SCBGP is the best fit for your project
Projects must benefit more than one product or organization. The SCBGP will not award grant funds for projects that solely benefit a single commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. This means that the program will not provide funds to start or expand a farm or other business venture
In addition, recipients cannot use grant funds to compete unfairly with private companies that offer equivalent products or services
Please note that hemp is not considered a "specialty crop"

SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM TIMELINE

Timelines/Deadlines	Description
December 6, 2023	Open Request for Applications
January 17, 2024 by 4:00 pm CST	Application Deadline
March 2024	Review Panel Meets
May 2024	NDDA Notifies Applicants of ND Awards
May 2024	State Plan Submitted to USDA
October 1, 2024	Anticipated Project Start Date
September 30, 2026	Projects Conclude no Later Than

The links below provide detailed information on how to apply, as well as the complete set of application documents.

SPECIALTY CROP GRANT APPLICATION MATERIALS

HOW TO APPLY

GRANTEE REQUIREMENTS

Successful grantees are expected to:

To sign a Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) with the NDDA indicating their intention to complete the proposed tasks and authorizing NDDA to monitor the progress of the proposed project
To sign a requirement for NOGA document stating that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement and the federal laws that need to be followed
To set up an account with ND OMB office at https://www.omb.nd.gov/doing-business-state/procurement/vendors For assistance with registration(s) call OMB Vendor Registry at 701-328-2773.
To manage the grant financial expenses as this grant is strictly on a reimbursement basis
To regularly report on grant activities and financials, using provided templates
To manage the grant financial records and documentation to ensure SCBGP funds are being used for their intended purpose in compliance with Federal cost principles and regulations
Must have DUNS Number and be registered under SAM.gov

Back to SCBGP Landing Page