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Complete the Cold Storage Cost Share Program Participant Application, including receipts for all expenditures and a notarized affidavit. Return to Anne Nidiffer, SCDA Marketing Specialist, South Carolina Department of Agriculture, PO Box 11280, Columbia, SC 29211, or anidiffer@scda.sc.gov.

Anne Nidiffer

SCDA Marketing Specialist

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South&#x2004;Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association offer the Cold Storage Cost Share Program through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Members of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association may receive reimbursement up to $750 for purchasing and installing up to two (2) CoolBot cooler systems. Nonmembers may receive reimbursement up to $325 for installing one (1) CoolBot cooler system. The CoolBot utilizes a traditional window-unit air conditioner, multiple sensors, a heating element, and a programmed micro-controller to cool a room to 36°F without freezing up.



The South Carolina Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association offer the Cold Storage Cost Share Program through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Members of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association may receive reimbursement up to $750 for purchasing and installing up to two (2) CoolBot cooler systems. Nonmembers may receive reimbursement up to $325 for installing one (1) CoolBot cooler system. The CoolBot utilizes a traditional window-unit air conditioner, multiple sensors, a heating element, and a programmed micro-controller to cool a room to 36°F without freezing up.

Must be a South Carolina farmer growing specialty crops (fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture). Must have attended a food safety workshop hosted by SCDA or Clemson Extension within the past two years; sign an affidavit that the cold storage unit will be used solely for specialty crops; provide primary source receipts; provide photos of the completed unit; enable an on-site audit; and provide follow-up data at six and twelve months. Must obtain a State of SC vendor number. SC Specialty Crop Growers Association members may be given preference.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Infrastructure

Equipment

Public Health

Compliance

A reimbursement cost-share with two flat per-farm ceilings set by membership status: "farmers who are members of the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association may receive reimbursement up to $750 for the purchasing and installing up to two (2) Cool Bot cooler systems. Nonmembers may receive reimbursement up to $325, for installing one (1) Cool Bot cooler system."

No match percentage is published — these are absolute reimbursement ceilings, paid after purchase and installation. You must "[p]rovide primary source receipts for all expenditures related to installation of the cold storage technology unit."

Strings attached to the money, all listed as required for reimbursement: attendance at "a food safety workshop hosted by SCDA or Clemson Extension within the past two (2) years," with proof in the application; a notarized affidavit that the unit "will be used solely for the handling, holding, and distribution of specialty crops"; "photos of the completed cold storage unit showing the Cool-Bot system"; consent to "an on-site audit by a SCDA person to authenticate cold storage technology is being used solely for specialty crops"; and follow-up "data, information, statistics, and/or testimonials after six months and twelve months of installation." You also need a State of SC vendor number — "[t]his process is free and can be completed at procurement.sc.gov/doing-biz/registration." "SC Specialty Crop Growers Association members may be given preference."

Funded through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (grant # 25SBPSC1280-00); the application form is dated 8/8/25.

Submit the completed GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share Application with a state vendor registration number, answers to the questionnaire, and a copy of the paid receipt to SCDA Grants Administration, Attn: GAP Coordinator, 123 Ballard Court, West Columbia, SC 29172, or GAP@scda.sc.gov.

GAP Coordinator

Through funding&#x2004;from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can be reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available. To help growers receive reimbursements faster, they may choose to receive two separate payments: Part I (the SCDA portion of the audit) and Part II (the USDA portion), each reimbursed at 90%, or submit both parts together for one larger payment. Payment is issued 4–6 weeks following receipt of an accurately submitted application package.



Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can be reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available. To help growers receive reimbursements faster, they may choose to receive two separate payments: Part I (the SCDA portion of the audit) and Part II (the USDA portion), each reimbursed at 90%, or submit both parts together for one larger payment. Payment is issued 4–6 weeks following receipt of an accurately submitted application package.

South Carolina growers who have completed a GAP audit. Applicants must have a State of South Carolina vendor registration number and submit a complete application package including a copy of the paid receipt or other proof of payment for the reimbursement requested.

Certified Organic

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Reimbursement rate: 90% of your GAP audit costs. "Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can now get reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available." No dollar cap per grower is published — the reimbursement is a straight percentage of what you paid, available on a first-come basis while the grant funds last.

Two ways to be paid. A GAP audit generates two separate bills, and you may claim each as soon as you have paid it:
- Part I — the SCDA portion (SCDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Inspections). Amount paid to SCDA × 90%.
- Part II — the USDA portion (USDA AMS Specialty Crops Program). Amount paid to USDA × 90%.
- Or submit both parts together for one larger payment: (amount paid to SCDA + amount paid to USDA) × 90%.

Worked example from the application: "Smith Farm submits a paid receipt from SCDA Fruit & Vegetable Inspections for $575 with Part I of the application and receives a check for $517.50 approximately four weeks later. ($575 × 90%)"

Timing: "You can expect payment 4–6 weeks following the receipt of an accurately submitted application package."

What you must supply to get paid: a completed application, a State of South Carolina vendor registration number (free, via procurement.sc.gov), complete answers to the impact questionnaire, your agreement to provide follow-up information on the impact of GAP certification, and a copy of the paid receipt or other proof of payment — "[w]e will not send checks unless we have this."

Match: none beyond the 10% of audit cost you retain.

List each item purchased with the purchase price (a paid receipt is required for each item), complete the questionnaire, and submit the GAP On-Farm Improvement Reimbursement Cost Share Application to SCDA Grants Administration, Attn: GAP Coordinator, 123 Ballard Court, West Columbia, SC 29172, or GAP@scda.sc.gov.

Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can be reimbursed for up to $500 in on-farm improvement costs related to obtaining GAP certification. This cost share reimbursement is separate from the GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share. Payment is issued 4–6 weeks following receipt of an accurately submitted application package.



South Carolina growers incurring on-farm improvement costs related to obtaining GAP certification. Applicants must have a State of South Carolina vendor registration number and submit a complete application package including paid receipt(s) or other proof of payment.

Award: reimbursement of up to $500 per grower. The SCDA application states that through USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant #25SCBPSC1280, South Carolina growers "can now get reimbursed for up to $500 on-farm improvement costs related to obtaining GAP certification."

Cost share: no percentage applies — eligible purchases are reimbursed at full cost (including applicable tax) up to the $500 ceiling, and a paid receipt must be attached for every item listed. No match is required.

Stacking: this reimbursement "is not to be confused or combined with the GAP Audit Certification cost share." The application also asks whether you have used the GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share and the Water Quality Analysis Cost Share.

Payment timing: "You can expect payment 4–6 weeks following the receipt of an accurately submitted application package." A free South Carolina state vendor registration number (procurement.sc.gov) is required before a check can be issued.

No contract length, interest, or fees apply — this is a one-time reimbursement.

Complete the Participant Application and submit to Anne Nidiffer, SCDA Marketing Specialist (anidiffer@scda.sc.gov); after attending, submit the Reimbursement Form with primary-source registration receipts. Reimbursements are first-come, first-served until funds are depleted. Application linked from agriculture.sc.gov/farm-and-business-support/grants.

Reimbursement cost-share run by the SC Specialty Crop Growers Association in partnership with the SC Department of Agriculture (funded through the USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant, grant ref 24SCBPSC1265). Reimburses South Carolina specialty crop growers 50% of registration fees for attending approved specialty-crop trade shows and educational conferences (e.g., Carolina Farm Stewardship Sustainable Ag Conference, Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo, Clemson FRESH Summit, ASCFG Southeast Regional). Does not cover merchandise, travel, food, or lodging.



Must be a South Carolina farmer growing specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery/floriculture). Up to two registrations per company per approved conference; growers must obtain a free SC state vendor number. Graduation rule: cannot participate more than two consecutive years (may reapply after a one-year hiatus). SCSCGA members may be given preference.

Stewardship

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Trade Relief

Reimburses 50% of registration fees for an approved specialty-crop educational conference, for up to 2 growers per company. Growers pay and register with the event host first, then submit the reimbursement form with primary-source receipts.

Published per-conference maximum reimbursements (registration cost in parentheses):
• Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Business of Farming Conference — $47.50 ($95)
• Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo — $90 ($180); up to $47.50 for one other registration
• Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference — $137.50 ($275)
• Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Sustainable Agriculture Conference — $187.50 ($375)
• ASCFG Southeast Regional Conference — $242.50 ($485)
• Clemson FRESH Food, Packaging, & Sustainability Summit — $274.50 ($549)

Not covered: "The cost share will not cover costs of merchandise, travel, food, or lodging."

Payment terms on the reimbursement invoice are 60 days. "Reimbursements are available on a first come first serve basis until funds are depleted," and are awarded based on the number of applications received and available funding.

Graduation rule: "Growers cannot exceed more than two consecutive years in the program, although they can reapply after one year hiatus." Each company must obtain a free State of SC vendor number.

Apply through SCDA Grants Administration during the annual solicitation (recurring; contingent on USDA-AMS funding). Program guidance and FAQs at agriculture.sc.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant. Contact the SCBGP program office for the current cycle's forms and deadline.

Hannah Arndt

Program Coordinator, SCBGP

The SC Department of Agriculture receives annual USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant funding, awarded to projects that enhance the competitiveness of South Carolina's specialty crop industry (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery/floriculture). Producer, industry, and community-based specialty-crop organizations apply; a portion of funds flows to individual growers via SCDA sub-award cost-share programs.



Applications accepted only from producer, industry, or community-based organizations involved with specialty crops. Each project must demonstrate it enhances the competitiveness of a SC specialty crop industry and benefit specialty crops broadly. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

No per-award ceiling or floor is published. SCDA states only: "Projects may be funded at varying levels, depending on the nature of the project. SCDA reserves the right to alter project budgets as needed, prior to the award process." Award amounts are set project by project — a two-step competitive review scores eligible applications, then a selection committee "will determine which projects will be funded and the amount for which each one will be awarded."

Match: none. "No federal cost sharing or matching requirement. Cost share/match should not be included in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports."

Size of the state pool (not a per-award figure): USDA-AMS had not announced the current year's allocation at the time of writing, but "over the last five years, the SCDA has been awarded an average of $586,688.00 in Specialty Crop Block Grant funds." SCDA may also retain a portion for internally conducted projects such as outreach, regulatory and marketing activities, and trainings.

How you are paid: as a reimbursed subaward. Each subrecipient must have an adequate accounting system and internal controls, and must keep expenditure and reimbursement records "for a minimum of three years after the conclusion of the project."

Pre-award costs: allowable up to 90 calendar days before the project start date once your project is included in the accepted State Plan, without prior approval — but "[a]ll costs incurred before USDA makes the award to SCDA are at the applicant's risk."

Project length: published, and applicant's choice within a cap — "Projects funded by the SCBGP may be 1, 2, or 3 years in length, but must be completed within three years." For the current round SCDA "will fund projects for this RFA between September 30, 2025, and September 29, 2028."

Eligibility limit that shapes award size: "Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual."

Submit applications to scbgp@scda.sc.gov by 5:00 PM EST October 16, 2026, using the USDA templates (project narrative, cost-share verification letter, partner-organization letter). SCDA forwards completed applications to USDA via Grants.gov by December 4, 2026. Estimated period of performance 9/30/2026–9/29/2029. See the USDA FY2026 NOFO.

Program Coordinator, SCMSP

Federal USDA-AMS competitive grant that funds collaborative multi-state projects addressing regional or national specialty-crop issues — food safety, plant pests and disease, research, and marketing/promotion. The SC Department of Agriculture acts as the SC conduit/applicant for projects led by or partnering with a South Carolina organization. Awards range $250,000–$1,000,000 per project, up to three years, with a required cost-share match equal to 25% of the federal amount.



Specialty crop producer associations and groups, other state agencies, Tribal government entities, universities, non-profits, and other stakeholder groups. Each proposal must include at least two 'multi-state partners' located in two different states; to apply through SCDA at least one partner must be located in South Carolina. If no SC organization is the lead or a partner, applicants must apply directly to USDA-AMS.

Trials

Grant awards range from $250,000 to $1 million per project, and projects may last for up to three years (estimated period of performance 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2029).

Cost share is required: contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total federal portion of the grant. See the USDA Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information on this component.

SCDA acts as the conduit applicant, so the money flows through the state; there is no separate SCDA fee published.

List of South Carolina Department of Agriculture Funding Opportunities