Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) — Maryland

The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds (allocation based on Maryland specialty-crop acreage and production value each year) through an annual competitive review process guided by industry, nonprofit, and government stakeholders. Purpose 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 anticipates approximately $400,000 available; awards are subject to USDA General Terms and Conditions effective December 31, 2025. Projects benefiting only a single organization, business, institution, or individual are not fundable. [Institutional grant, but individual producers may apply if broader industry benefit is demonstrated.]

Nonprofits, government entities, industry organizations, producer groups, and colleges/universities. Individual producers may apply only if the project demonstrates broader impact for a similar group of producers or industry segment (e.g., a farmer installing high tunnels who then holds a field day to encourage adoption). Projects that only benefit/profit a single entity are ineligible.

Annual competitive process. Approximately $400,000 anticipated; applicants must review USDA General Terms and Conditions (effective Dec 31, 2025) before applying. Grantee performance report deadline is November 15, 2026. Apply through MDA's SCBGP process (contact the program manager for the current cycle's solicitation and application template).