Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Agriculture, administers the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), a competitive funding opportunity aimed at enhancing the market competitiveness of specialty crops cultivated in Rhode Island. The program aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's broader Specialty Crop Block Grant initiative under CFDA 10.170, which supports efforts to improve the viability, innovation, and sustainability of specialty crop production in the United States. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA and the SCBGP, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture products such as turf grass, Christmas trees, and cut flowers. With approximately $270,000 available in total funding for 2026, this program does not impose a maximum grant award limit or a cost-sharing/match requirement. It seeks proposals that focus on activities including marketing, research, nutrition, environmental sustainability, innovation in distribution, education, and cooperative development. Proposals must target enhancements that benefit multiple producers or the specialty crop industry as a whole, rather than providing a competitive advantage or financial gain to individual organizations or products. Applicants are encouraged to develop partnerships among academic institutions, industry groups, nonprofit entities, and producers to ensure broad industry impact and measurable results. Projects funded under this grant must begin no earlier than September 30, 2026, and conclude by September 29, 2029. All expenditures must occur within this window, and no funds may be disbursed prior to the issuance of a Purchase Order by the State of Rhode Island. Indirect costs are capped at 8% of the total project budget. The program strictly adheres to federal cost principles as outlined in 2 CFR 200 for government, nonprofit, and academic applicants, and 48 CFR Subpart 31.2 for for-profit entities. Funds cannot be used for rent, utilities, or general administrative overhead unless specifically justified and approved under the program’s indirect cost policy. Applications must be submitted using the Euna Grants platform by February 28, 2026. Submissions are reviewed in a two-phase process. First, administrative eligibility is verified, including SAM.gov status. Then, a technical review is conducted by a review panel consisting of specialty crop growers and industry stakeholders from public agencies and nonprofit organizations. The evaluation process scores applications based on clearly defined criteria, including project relevance, scope of measurable outcomes, alignment with funding priorities, and likelihood of success. Each proposal must define at least one expected measurable outcome using USDA’s SCBGP-defined indicators across seven outcome categories such as increased consumption, market access, food safety, environmental sustainability, pest control, research, and crop development. The project must include a strategy for data collection and evaluation of these outcomes. Marketing projects are required to use at least one Outcome 1 indicator. Applicants must also submit detailed budget justifications for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, supplies, contracts, equipment, and other expenses. Proposals may be disqualified if they include incomplete responses, unallowable costs, or activities that occur outside the performance period. Technical support and questions may be directed to DEM at [email protected] or by phone at (401) 222-2781. Additional information, including the application form and project guidelines, can be accessed on the DEM Agriculture grants website. Notification of awards is expected in Fall 2026 following USDA approval of the state plan. Although there is no formal cost-sharing requirement, applicants are encouraged to leverage matching funds or in-kind contributions to demonstrate industry support.

Use USDA-defined indicators; cap indirect costs at 8%; ensure project benefits the industry broadly.