Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (New Mexico)

Federal USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered in New Mexico by NMDA as fiscal agent. Competitive grants that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture) through promotion, research, and access. Recurring annual cycle (accepted proposals 2019-2025 listed). Projects must be completed within 3 years; funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis; may not be used for capital expenditures, projects that solely benefit a single commercial product, or that profit a single organization/individual.

Individuals or non-federal entities in New Mexico proposing specialty-crop competitiveness projects, submitted through NMDA.

No minimum or maximum grant request, cost-share percentage, or match requirement is published for the New Mexico round. NMDA publishes the size of the pool rather than a per-project cap: "More than $500,000 in funding is available to New Mexico producers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)."

The published conditions on the money are about term and allowable use, not amount: "Each project funded through the SCBGP must be completed within 3 years." "Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis only." "Grant funds cannot be used for capital expenditures (equipment, buildings, and land)." Funds also "will not be awarded to projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product" or "that provide profit to a single organization, institution, or individual."

Because funds are reimbursed only, you carry project costs first. Check each cycle's NMDA Request for Proposals for that round's available funding and any award range.

Submit a proposal via NMDA's Submittable platform per the annual RFP. Most recent cycle: 2026 USDA RFA expected Jan 2026; NMDA proposal deadline February 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MT. Recurs annually.