Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Louisiana)

USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered by LDAF. Competitive sub-grants that enhance the competitiveness of Louisiana specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture) through marketing/promotion, research and development, expanding access, and addressing challenges facing specialty crop producers. Institutional: LDAF includes selected projects in Louisiana's annual State Plan submitted to USDA. Recurring annual cycle.

Louisiana individuals and organizations (producers, producer associations, universities, nonprofits) proposing specialty-crop competitiveness projects.

No per-project award ceiling or floor is published. Per the 2026 Request for Applications, "Grant Applicants may be awarded funding at varying levels depending on the nature of the project," and "LDAF reserves the right to fund projects partially or fully." Applications must demonstrate strong justification for the requested budget.

Pool, not a per-award figure: LDAF "anticipates approximately $350,000 will be available for Louisiana projects" in the 2026 cycle, subject to change upon the formal USDA-AMS Notice of Funding.

No match: "No in-kind donations or matching funds are required."

Payment: cost reimbursement. LDAF approves reimbursement of up to 90% of the total grant award on timely receipt of payment requests and documentation; the final 10% is released once all required reports, including the Final Performance Report, are submitted and approved.

Term: funding is available for projects extending no more than two (2) years and eleven (11) months beyond the state project start date. Records must be retained a minimum of three years after project completion. Selected grantees must register as a LaGov Supplier.

Source: LDAF 2026 SCBG Request for Applications (MF-38-27, R03/26).

Submit a proposal per LDAF's annual Request for Applications. Most recent cycle: RFP released ~March 20, 2026; proposals due April 30, 2026 by 4:30 CST. Recurs annually.