MD Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, provides approximately $400,000 in competitive grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions. Grants range from $15,000 to $140,000 for projects lasting up to two years, with a focus on benefiting a broader group of producers. Proposals must align with industry priorities and demonstrate collaborative support.

Background
​The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) administers funding received from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The amount of funding received by MDA is based on specialty crop acreage and production value on an annual basis. MDA conducts an annual competitive process to award grant funds.
The purpose of the Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland specialty crops including fruits and vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees and nursery crops. MDA awards SCBGP funds through a competitive review process guided by industry, nonprofit and government stakeholders.
Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will be for a broader group of similar producers or industry segment.
The Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a reimbursable grant program to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) administers the program with funding made available from the Farm Bill through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service.
Funding Availability
Funding Availability: MDA anticipates approximately $400,000 SCBGP funds based on available funding. Competitive grants will be awarded for projects with a minimum of $15,000 (subject to availability). The Maryland SCBGP grants have ranged from $15,000 - $140,000. SCBGP grant funds will be awarded for projects up to 2 years in duration.

Eligibility

Proposals will be accepted from non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities, and other organizations involved in Maryland agriculture. Applicants must reside in Maryland or their business or educational affiliation must be in Maryland. Those applicants that are non-profit or for-profit, if awarded a grant, will be required to provide verification of their status.Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organization.
More than one project application per applicant may be submitted. Projects may be submitted by a single organization or combined entities. Multi-state projects to address a growing need for solutions to problems that cross state boundaries are also eligible. Applicants must have the support of a specific specialty crop organization or group with at least three specialty crop producers.Letters of support need to be submitted. Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will be for a broader group of similar producers or industry segment. Projects must also be identified as a priority of the industry.