New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

What We’re About

The New York Farm Viability Institute is a nonprofit grantmaking organization. We run a competitive grant program seeking to fund agricultural research and education projects that will create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers.

We strive to achieve our mission through a farmer-driven grant making process connecting farmer-identified needs to practical research and education solutions.

New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

NYFVI is pleased to partner with New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to manage the competitive grant program for New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application.

Guided by the State’s Specialty Crop Advisory Group, the 2023 RFP focuses on a subset of the outcomes specified in the broader USDA SCBG RFP. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:

• Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
• Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
• Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
• Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops

NY Priorities

The New York Specialty Crop Block Grant Advisory Committee, comprised of farmer-members of specialty crop organizations and associations and other industry stakeholders, has developed specific research and education priorities that are aligned with the USDA outcomes:

• Research and/or education that addresses a key production problem or need specific to NYS.
• Developing and increasing the utilization of IPM strategies and programs.
• Addressing native and exotic pests and disease threats through development of pest risk assessments.
• Plant breeding for the development of crops resistant to exotic and native pests.
• Applied R&D focused on extending the growing season through new technologies, or improved practices.
• Developing new seed varieties and specialty crops with optimal performance under NYS conditions.
• Market based research that enhances the competitiveness of a NY specialty crop.
• Research, demonstration and training for innovative production practices.

Eligibility

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().

Application Details

2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for New York State
This RFP for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program is utilizing a new application
and scoring criteria. It is aligned with the USDA application which will be submitted by New York
State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) to the USDA. Please read all instructions
carefully. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday December 20, 2024.
The SCBG process does not allow specific conversation between applicants and NYFVI staff
about their proposals. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register to attend a webinar to
learn more about the application. If you have any questions, they may be submitted via email
to Penny Heritage at pheritage@nyfvi.org.
All proposals will be evaluated by farmers with expertise in the proposed crop. The NYFVI board
of directors will also evaluate the proposals and review the input from the panels. NYFVI will
submit a ranked list to AGM who will discuss the proposals with its Specialty Crop Advisory
Group and they will make the final funding decisions.
If you are selected for inclusion in the NYS application, an abridged version of this proposal,
formatted as a project profile will be used. It is anticipated that all applicants will be notified by
April.
The full RFP is available as a PDF file by clicking the Question List box in the upper right hand
corner of the screen. Instructions are also provided in each question group.
Recent Program Changes

• As noted above, with the prior grant cycle, NYFVI significantly revised the RFP to better

correspond with the federal program’s outcomes and measurable indicators.

• Projects may focus on market/marketing based research projects that improve the

competitiveness of specialty crops.

• The scoring criteria for the program has also been adjusted to better reflect the

program’s goals.

• Additionally, the budget template has been revised to reflect the federal program

requirements.

Application New York Farm Viability Institute

• Other significant changes include a new grant size. Applications between $50,000 to

$200,000 will now be accepted for consideration.
Projects must benefit more than one product or organization.
All proposals must seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applicants should
describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the
specialty crop industry rather than a single organization, institution or individual.
Examples of Acceptable Projects:

• • A non-profit organization, or an extension educator requests funds to demonstrate the
• viability of organic small fruit production and partners with a farm to conduct a
• demonstration project and publicize the working model of diversification to other
• regional growers.
• • A non-profit organization leads a market research or marketing project to provide
• information to growers to support their marketing efforts.
• • A researcher develops or evaluates packaging for a specific type of product and shares
• the results with growers.
• Examples of Unacceptable Projects:
• • A company requests grant funds to purchase starter plants or equipment used to plant,
• cultivate, and grow a specialty crop to make a profit or to expand production of a single
• business or organization.
• • A single specialty crop organization requests grant funds to market its organization so
• that it can increase its membership.
• Legislative Authority for USDA Funding
• Legislative authority is provided under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act
• of 2004 (7 U.S.C. § 1621 note) and amended under section 10107 of the Agriculture
• Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-343 (the Farm Bill).
• Key Dates
• Tuesday November 12, 2024 RFP opens
• Thursday November 14, 2024 Grant Writing Webinar 2:00pm-3:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Grant Writing Webinar 9:00am-10:30 am
• 11:59 pm Friday December 20, 2024 Applications due

Project
leaders must be available to make any
requested revisions to proposals.

Announcement by USDA
Definition of Specialty Crops.
For this RFP, “specialty crops” means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery
crops (including floriculture). A detailed list of commonly recognized specialty crops can be
found on USDA’s web site:

• https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop
• Available Funding
• It is anticipated that there will be approximately $600,000 available through NYFVI for the

competitive grant portion of the 2025 SCBG Program. Funding is contingent upon the award of
funds to AGM by the USDA. Final grant awards will be made upon final approval of the AGM
application to the USDA and execution of NYFVI’s contract with AGM.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:

• • Not-for-profit organizations (NFP)
• • Not-for-profit educational institutions
• • Local and Indian tribal governments
• Ineligible applicants are encouraged to participate as project partners.
• Projects should have general applicability and statewide significance to the specialty crop

industry. They should not benefit a sole commercial product or single business.
Project Duration, Funding Amount and Eligible Costs

• Projects may choose their start date. Work may start no earlier than January 1, 2026,

and must be completed by June 30, 2028. All projects must complete in 8 quarters.

• Funding requests for individual projects must be between $50,000 and $200,000.

Eligible costs include: personnel, fringe benefits, travel, special purpose equipment, supplies,
and contractual costs and services directly related to an eligible project.
Indirect costs are allowed at a rate not to exceed the federal maximum of 8% of the direct cost
amount requested. Indirect costs are any costs incurred for common or joint objectives that
therefore cannot be readily identified with an individual eligible project, program, or activity.
Indirect costs generally include facilities operation and maintenance costs, depreciation and

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
general administrative expenses. If a subcontract is used, no more than the federal maximum
can be charged among both entities.
Ineligible costs include: political activities, lobbying activities, capital expenditures for general
purpose equipment, buildings, and land, and any activities that support non-specialty crops.
General purpose equipment means equipment that is not limited to research, scientific or other
technical activities. Examples include office equipment and furnishings, motor vehicles, etc.
This USDA document provides more detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs.
NYFVI shall not be held liable for any costs incurred by any party for work performed in the
preparation of and production of a proposal or for any work performed prior to the agreed
upon start date of the project.
Project Selection and Scoring Criteria
Proposals submitted to the SCBG Program will first undergo review by NYFVI staff to check for
completeness. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be ineligible for grant funds and
eliminated from consideration.
Proposals will be reviewed and scored by a select panel of specialty crop farmers with expertise
appropriate to the proposal. The Scoring Criteria is outlined here.
The NYFVI board of directors will review and discuss all proposals, along with review panel
scores and comments, and make a final funding ranking. This ranking of top proposals will be
sent to AGM for review and final selection by the New York Specialty Crop Block Grant Advisory
Committee.
NYFVI staff and board members reserve the right to request information or seek information or
review of proposals or sections of proposals from person/s participating in the project or from
those experienced or knowledgeable about aspects relevant to the proposal.
NYFVI staff and board members also reserve the right to request additional information from
project leaders.
Other Considerations
NYFVI reserves the right to:

• • reject any or all proposals received with respect to this RFP.
• • waive or modify minor irregularities in proposals received after prior notification and
• concurrence of the applicant.
• • utilize any or all ideas submitted in the proposals received unless those ideas are
• covered by legal patent or proprietary rights.
• • request from an applicant additional information as deemed necessary to evaluate the
• proposal more fully.
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Application New York Farm Viability Institute

• amend the program’s specifications after their release, with appropriate written notice

posted on the Department’s website.

• select only certain portions of proposals for funding.
• make all final decisions with respect to the amount of funding and the timing of

payments to be provided to an applicant.

• negotiate the terms of the scope of work and budget.

Freedom of Information
All proposals submitted and all related contracts and reports may be subject to disclosure
under the Freedom of Information Act.
Risk Assessment
Applicants should be advised that if their project is selected for funding, the applicant
organization will undergo a formal risk assessment based on standards adopted by AGM. This
assessment will ensure applicants are financially responsible and have had no prior issues in
their state contracting history or federal grant performance history. The assessment will also
determine whether the applicant has had prior audit findings and evaluate the funding
characteristics of the currently approved project. Applicants that are deemed to be ‘high risk’
based on factors in the assessment linked below, may or may not be awarded SCBG funding,
even if their proposal scores highly among reviewers. Please click the following link to view the
risk assessment guidelines.
Federal Conditions
Funds for this program will be provided to NYFVI through the AGM, pursuant to an agreement
with the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service. Successful applicants will be required to comply
with all applicable Federal statutes, regulations and policy requirements. A list of applicable
statutes, regulations and policy requirements as well as a summary of the potential impact of
certain National Policy Requirements on certain grants can be found at Rules & Regulations |
Reporting Requirements
Funded projects will be required to report on their activities on a quarterly basis to provide
appropriate justification for the accompanying reimbursement requests. Reimbursement
requests will not be processed until the progress report has been submitted. Effort should be
made to submit documentation of all costs that were incurred in the correct quarter.
An annual report is required in November of every year for inclusion in the NYS report to the
USDA.
A final report is required at the project’s conclusion. It will be included in the NYS report to the
USDA that is due November of 2028. Please be aware that there is no leeway to deliver the
annual report or final report past the deadline. Note: the USDA may request follow-up

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
information to these reports and project leaders are expected to make responding to these
inquiries a priority.
NYFVI will withhold ten percent (10%) of the total grant award until approval of the final
report.
NYFVI reserves the right to conduct site visits as well as follow-up surveys of funded projects to
determine long-term impacts.
The template for the annual and final report is available here.
NYFVI Contact Information
All questions about the RFP must be submitted via email to pheritage@nyfvi.org.
Technical Notes
This online platform is new to NYFVI.
New York specific SCBG RFP with the USDA goals and requirements.
If you would like to collaborate on this request with other individuals, you may use the blue
"Collaborate" button in the top-right corner of the page. Type in their email address and a brief
message inviting them to edit the application. Click here for Collaborator troubleshooting.
The RFP uses branching questions to help reduce the number of fields that are visible to all
applicants and reviewers. To facilitate the branching process, there are a number of yes/no
questions built into the application. Yes answers will bring up additional fields for
completion.
We would also appreciate your feedback on the platform and application.
Project Title and Dates
Create a title for the project. Keep in mind the title of the project will appear in program
publications. Generally, a title that is brief but descriptive of the project and its goals, works
best.
Projects may start at the beginning of each quarter between January and October of 2026.
• All projects must be completed by June 30, 2028

• No project may last longer than 8 quarters, shorter projects are permissible.

Use the drop-down menus to select a start and end date for your project. Please select your
timeframe carefully.

Organizational Tracking System*
If your organization uses a number system for proposals, please provide that information. If
your organization does not use a numbering system, please enter NA.
Note: Per an agreement with Cornell University, NYFVI will not review an application unless an
OSP number is provided.
USDA Project Partner and Summary
Include a project summary of 250 words or less suitable for dissemination to the public. A
Project Summary provides a very brief (one sentence, if possible) description of your project. It
should include:

• • The name of the applicant organization that if awarded a grant will establish an
• agreement or contractual relationship to lead and execute the project,
• • The project’s purpose, deliverables, and expected outcomes and
• • A description of the general tasks/activities to be completed during the project period to
• fulfill this goal.
• Project Partner and Summary*
• Character Limit: 1500
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Agricultural Production Sector and Target Beneficiaries
In this section, your selection will determine the type of farms that will review your proposal.
Agricultural Commodity*
Please indicate which type of NY specialty crops your work will benefit.
Sod
Vegetables or Fruit--Controlled Environment Agriculture crop
Other response
If you selected other in the list above, please provide the name of the crop your proposal will
support. Please consult the USDA list to ensure it is eligible.
Production Systems*
This work will benefit:

• Choices
• Organic production only.
• Conventional production only.
• Both organic and conventional production.
• Target Beneficiaries*
• Use specifics to describe the agricultural production sector that will benefit from this work.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scale of the crop in NYS, where it is grown, the

size of the farms growing the crops and the types of production systems that are used. If you
are proposing the development of a new crop, discuss the types of farm operations that would
be most likely to benefit from producing it.

USDA Outcomes Alignment
Although the USDA SCBG program includes seven outcomes, this RFP seeks work that is focused
only on achieving the four outcomes listed below.
As you consider your selection, keep in mind the following:

• • All outcomes are associated with measurable indicators.
• • Proposals must provide specific numerical target values for any indicator that will be
• used to measure the impact of their work.
• • All activity in a proposal must be associated with achieving an indicator.
• • If a proposal is funded, it will be required to measure and report on each indicator
• selected.
• Outcome 4: Improve Pest and Disease Control Processes

This priority is focused on driving practice adoption of existing management practices. None of
the anticipated results/indicators associated with this priority include development or research
trials. If your work includes late-stage research trials as well as practice adoption, you should
also select Outcome 6.
Outcome 5: Develop New Seed Varieties and Specialty Crops
This priority is focused on plant breeding. Later stage work will be expected to measure the
adoption of new seeds or crops by farmers.
Outcome 6: Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
This priority is focused directly on agricultural research, including market/marketing research.
Later stage research would be expected to also seek to drive and track adoption of the findings
using the measures in Outcome 4.
Outcome 7: Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
This priority encompasses both driving awareness and adoption of practices as well as
developing or improving new tools or technologies.
USDA Outcomes*
Please select one or more of the USDA Outcomes that are aligned with your proposal.

NYS Priorities*
The New York Specialty Crop Block Grant Advisory Committee, composed of farmer members
of specialty crop organizations and associations, and other industry stakeholders, has
developed specific research and education priorities that are aligned with the USDA outcomes.

1. Research and/or education that addresses a key production problem or need specific to

NYS.

1. Developing and increasing the utilization of IPM strategies and programs.
2. Addressing native and exotic pests and disease threats through development of pest risk

assessments.

1. Plant breeding for the development of crops resistant to exotic and native pests.
2. Applied R&D focused on extending the growing season through new technologies or

improved practices.

1. Developing new seed varieties and specialty crops with optimal performance under NYS

conditions.

1. Market based research that enhances the competitiveness of a NY specialty crop.
2. Research, demonstration and training involving specialized equipment for mechanical weed

control or new technologies that increase production efficiency.

1. My proposal is aligned with the USDA outcomes, but not a specific NYS priority.

Please check any of the priorities that are aligned with your proposal.

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
These questions will allow the system to tailor the online application to the Outcomes selected.
Outcome 4*
This priority is focused on driving practice adoption of existing management practices. None of
the anticipated results/indicators associated with this priority include development or research
trials. If your work includes late stage research trials as well as practice adoption, you should
also select indicators in Outcome 6.
Is Outcome 4: Improve Pest and Disease Control Processes aligned with your project?
Outcome 5*
This priority is focused primarily plant breeding. Later stage work will be expected to measure
the adoption of new seeds or crops by farmers.
Is Outcome 5: Develop New Seed Varieties and Specialty Crops aligned with your project?
Outcome 6*
This priority is focused directly on agricultural research. Later stage research would be expected
to also seek to drive and track adoption of the findings using the measures in Outcome 4.
Is Outcome 6 Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development aligned with your project?
Outcome 7*
This priority encompasses both driving awareness and adoption of practices as well as
developing or improving new tools or technologies.
Is Outcome 7: Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops aligned with your
project?

Outcome 4 Indicators
Every outcome has USDA indicators that are associated with the work. Previously you
selected Outcome 4 Improve Pest and Disease Control Processes as one of your project
outcomes. Please review the indicators that are associated with Outcome 4 then select all
indicators that your project will track and measure.
4.1 Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about science-based tools to combat pests
and diseases
4.2 Number of stakeholders that adopted pest and disease control best practices, technologies,
or innovations .
4.3 Number of stakeholders trained in early detection and rapid response practices to combat
pests and diseases. Of those:

• 4.3a Number of additional acres managed using integrated pest management..
• 4.4 Number of stakeholders that implemented new diagnostic systems, methods, or
• technologies for analyzing specialty crop pests and diseases .
• 4.5 Total number of producers/processors that enhanced or maintained pest and disease

control practices. Of those, the number that reported:

• 4.5a Reduction in product lost to pest and diseases
• 4.5b Improved crop quality.
• 4.5c Reduction in labor costs .
• 4.5d Reduction in pesticide use.
• 4.6 Number of producers/processors improving the efficiency of pest and disease control
• diagnostics and response testing, as reported by:
• 4.6a Improving speed.
• 4.6b Improving reliability.
• 4.6c Expanding capability.
• 4.6d Increasing testing (i.e. survey work for pests) .
• Outcome 4 Indicators Numerical Targets

For each indicator that you will be using, please provide a numerical target. It is expected that
your project will track and report on these indicators.
Indicator 4.1
Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about science-based tools to combat pests and
disease.

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
Indicator 4.2.
Number of stakeholders that adopted pest and disease control best practices, technologies, or
innovations.
Indicator 4.3
Number of stakeholders trained in early detection and rapid response practices to combat pests
and diseases.
Sub-Indicator 4.3a
If you provided a number in 4.3, what is the number of additional acres managed using
integrated pest management?
Indicator 4.4
Number of stakeholders that implemented new diagnostic systems, methods, or technologies
for analyzing specialty crop pests and diseases.
Indicator 4.5
Total number of producers/processors that enhanced or maintained pest and disease control
practices.
Sub-indicator 4.5a
Of the number provided in Indicator 4.5, how many reported a reduction in product lost to pest
and disease?
Sub-Indicator 4.5b
Of the number provided in Indicator 4.5, how many reported improved crop quality?
Sub-Indicator 4.5c
Of the number provided in Indicator 4.5, how many reported a reduction in labor costs?
Sub-Indicator 4.5d
Of the number provided in Indicator 4.5, how many reported a reduction in pesticide use?

Indicator 4.6a
Number of producers/processors improving the efficiency of pest and disease control
diagnostics and response testing, as reported by improving speed.
Indicator 4.6b
Number of producers/processors improving the efficiency of pest and disease control
diagnostics and response testing, as reported by improving reliabiity.
Indicator 4.6c
Number of producers/processors improving the efficiency of pest and disease control
diagnostics and response testing, as reported by expanding capabiity.
Indicator 4.6d
Number of producers/processors improving the efficiency of pest and disease control
diagnostics and response testing, as reported by increasing testing (i.e, survey work for pests).
Outcome 5 Indicators
Every outcome has USDA indicators that are associated with the work. Previously you selected
Outcome 5 Develop New Seed Varieties and Specialty Crops as one of your project
outcomes. Please review the indicators that are associated with Outcome 5, then select all
indicators that your project will track and measure.
5.1 Number of cultivar and/or variety trials conducted.
Of those:

• 5.1a The number that advanced to further stages of development.
• 5.2 Number of cultivars and/or seed varieties developed.
• 5.3 Number of cultivars and/or seed varieties released.
• 5.4 Number of growers adopting new cultivars and/or varieties.
• 5.5 Number of acres planted with new cultivars and/or varieties.
• Outcome 5: Numerical Targets for Indicators

For each indicator that you will use, please provide a numerical target. It is expected that your
project will track and report on these indicators.
Indicator 5.1
Number of cultivar and/or variety trials conducted:

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Sub Indicator 5.1a
Of the number provided in your response to indicator 5.1, what is the number that advanced to
further stages of development?
Indicator 5.2
Number of cultivars and/or seed varieties developed:

• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 5.3
• Number of cultivars and/or seed varieties released:
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 5.4
• Number of growers adopting new cultivars and/or varieties:
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 5.5
• Number of acres planted with new cultivars and/or varieties:
• Character Limit: 5
• Outcome 6 Indicators

Every outcome has USDA indicators that are associated with the work. Previously you selected
Outcome 6 Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development as one of your project
outcomes. Please review the indicators that are associated with Outcome 6, then select all
indicators that your project will track and measure.
6.1 Number of research goals accomplished .
6.2 For research conclusions, the number that:

• 6.2a Yielded findings that supported continued research.
• 6.2b Yielded findings that led to completion of study.
• 6.2c Yielded findings that allow for implementation of new practice, process, or technology.
• 6.3 Number of industry representatives and other stakeholders who engaged with research
• results.
• 6.4 Total number of research outputs published to industry publications and/or academic

journals. For each published research output, the:

• 6.4a Number of views/reads of published research/data.
• 6.4b Number of citations counted.
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Outcome 6: Numerical Targets for Indicators
For each indicator that you will use, please provide a numerical target. It is expected that your
project will track and report on these indicators.
Indicator 6.1
Number of research goals accomplished:

• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 6.2a
• For research conclusions, the number that yielded finding that supported continued research.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 6.2b
• For research conclusions, the number that yielded finding that led to the completion of study.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 6.2c
• For research conclusions, the number that yielded findings that allow for implementation of
• new practice, process or technology.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 6.3
• Number of industry representatives and other stakeholders who engaged with research results:
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 6.4
• Total number of research outputs published to industry publications and/or academic journals:
• Character Limit: 5
• Sub-Indicator 6.4a
• For each published research output estimated in indicator 6.4, provide the number of
• views/reads of published research/data.
• Character Limit: 5
• Sub-indicator 6.4b
• For each published research output estimated in indicator 6.4, provide the number of citations
• counted.
• Character Limit: 5
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Outcome 7 Indicators
Previously you selected Outcome 7 Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops as
one of your project outcomes. Folllowing is the list of indicators that are associated with
Outcome 7.
7.1 Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about environmental sustainability best
practices, tools, or technologies.
7.2 Number of stakeholders reported with an intent to adopt environmental sustainability best
practices, tools, or technologies.
7.3 Number of producers that adopted environmental best practices or tools.
7.4 Number of new tools/technologies developed or enhanced to improve sustainability/
conservation or other environmental outcomes.
7.5 Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, tools, or technologies that
focused on:

• 7.5a Water quality/ conservation.
• 7.5b Soil health.
• 7.5c Biodiversity.
• 7.5d Reduction in energy use.
• 7.5e Other positive environmental outcomes (optional).
• 7.6 Number of additional acres established and maintained for the mutual benefit of
• pollinators/specialty crops.
• Indicator 7: Numerical Targets
• For every indicator you will use, please establish a numerical target for that you will achieve
• and measure.
• Indicator 7.1
• Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about environmental sustainability best
• practices, tools, or technologies:
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.2
• Number of stakeholders reported with an intent to adopt environmental sustainability best
• practices, tools, or technologies:
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.3
• Number of producers that adopted environmental best practices or tools:
• Character Limit: 5
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Indicator 7.4
Number of new tools/technologies developed or enhanced to improve sustainability/
conservation or other environmental outcomes:

• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.5a
• Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, toos, or technologies that that
• focused on water quality/conservation
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.5b
• Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, tools, or technologies
• that focused on soil health.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.5c
• Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, tools, or technologies that
• focused on biodiversty.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.5d
• Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, tools, or technologies that
• focused on reduction in energy usage.
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.5e
• Number of additional acres managed with sustainable practices, tools, or technologies that
• focused on other postitive environmental outcomes..
• Character Limit: 5
• Indicator 7.6
• Number of additional acres established and maintained for the mutual benefit of
• pollinators/specialty crops:
• Character Limit: 5
• USDA Project Purpose

Provide detail about the specific issue, problem or need the project will address. Be sure to
make clear how the work will increase the competitiveness of NYS specialty crops.
Concisely describe the benefits of the potential solution to be developed or practice change to
be adopted. Provide a rationale as to why NY growers will prefer the potential solution over
other approaches to solving the problem.

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
If the proposal includes driving adoption of a practice, provide information that demonstrates
an understanding of NY grower’s attitudes and beliefs about the specific topic.
All proposals should include a synopsis of current practices, previous research, and outreach
efforts. The synopsis should focus on the level of applicability, awareness, or comprehension of
earlier work within New York State or its regions. Detail how your proposed project builds on
existing knowledge or previous efforts.
If understanding of your project’s purpose would benefit from the use of images, specifically
charts or photos they may be added here. Provide a caption for the information in the text box
and clearly name the file. Only one file may be uploaded, and it must be a pdf file.
Project Network
The project network may include producers, collaborators and staff from the applicant
organization. Please review each description carefully and add complete information for each
individual.
It is anticipated that each category will have at least one person named. If that is not the case
for your project, please write "none" in the first row under the "Last name/First name" column
of the corresponding table
Specialty Crop Producers: Include any specialty crop producer who is, or will be actively
engaged with the project team on this project. Please provide ALL information for each
individual. If you can not provide an email addresss, it may create doubt that they are
committed to the project. Do not include more than one individual from each farm business.
Only growers should be included in this table.
Use the drop down menu to select the role each individual will have on the project:

• • Proposal Development
• • Advisory Committee
• • Project Implementation
• Collaborators: Provide the name and contact information for all other individuals from outside

of your organization that will be supporting the project in this section. These may include
extension educators, consultants, researchers partners from other organizations and
agribusiness professionals. While all participants and collaborators should be listed, any non-

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
staff role that will be financially supported by the grant must be included.
Use the drop down menu to indicate how the individual is participating.
• Project advisory committee,

• Project implementation partner: such as conducting research trials, supporting outreach

and/or evaluation.
Project Lead and Staff: Provide the name and contact information for all individuals
employed by the lead organization that will be supporting the project in this table. This should
include any role that will be financially supported by the project.
Begin with the project lead, provide titles for each. If a role is currently vacant, indicate that in
the last name/first name column.
Tip: This application system will allow you to provide others in your network access to this
proposal by clicking the collaboration button in the upper right-hand corner.
Specialty Crop Producers Initial Application
Last Name, First Name Farm Name, Town County Email Role on Project

Application New York Farm Viability Institute
SCBG 2025
New York Farm Viability Institute
Overview and Technical Notes
2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for New York State
This RFP for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program is utilizing a new application
and scoring criteria. It is aligned with the USDA application which will be submitted by New York
State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) to the USDA. Please read all instructions
carefully. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday December 20, 2024.
The SCBG process does not allow specific conversation between applicants and NYFVI staff
about their proposals. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register to attend a webinar to
learn more about the application. If you have any questions, they may be submitted via email
to Penny Heritage at pheritage@nyfvi.org.
All proposals will be evaluated by farmers with expertise in the proposed crop. The NYFVI board
of directors will also evaluate the proposals and review the input from the panels. NYFVI will
submit a ranked list to AGM who will discuss the proposals with its Specialty Crop Advisory
Group and they will make the final funding decisions.
If you are selected for inclusion in the NYS application, an abridged version of this proposal,
formatted as a project profile will be used. It is anticipated that all applicants will be notified by
April.