Rhode Island Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The RI DEM Division of Agriculture (DEM) is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Please visit USDA’s web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp to view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops, ineligible commodities, and examples of projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops under the SCBGP. 

Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Each project must identify at least one expected measurable outcome and indicator that specifically demonstrates the project’s impact in enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds will not be awarded for projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. In addition, grant funds cannot be used to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent products or services.

Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. Proposals should be initiated by organizations, industry groups, or academic institutions, or should involve collaboration or partnerships between producers, industry groups, academics, or other organizations. Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organization, or two or more individuals or organizations may propose a joint project. Applicants should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. 

DEM anticipates grant announcements will be made in early fall.

Interested applicants can apply by completing the Grant Proposal application below.

Applications must be submitted using the format provided in the Grant Proposal Application. All Grant Proposals must be emailed to DEM.SpecialtyCrop@dem.ri.gov.

Please save Grant Proposals as a Microsoft Word .docx or .pdf file type extension. 

• 2022 Specialty Crop Grant Application

• 2022 Specialty Crop Grant Request for Proposals

• 2020-2022 Specialty Crop Grant Awardees