Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) through annual funding received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS). This competitive grant opportunity aims to support and enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in South Carolina. The funding is authorized under the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 and managed under 7 CFR part 1291. Each year, the USDA allocates funds based on the value and acreage of specialty crops grown in the state. Although the FY25 allocation has not been finalized, SCDA historically receives an average of $586,688. The SCBGP is open exclusively to producer groups, industry organizations, and community-based groups engaged in specialty crops. Projects must benefit the broader South Carolina specialty crop industry and not a single entity. The grant strictly funds activities that promote, consume, or increase access to specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, horticultural and nursery crops, including floriculture and honey. Hemp is not considered a specialty crop for this program. Funded projects must demonstrate measurable benefits, and special consideration is given to collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations. Funding is awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis and subject to federal regulations including 2 CFR part 200. Projects may span one to three years but must conclude by September 29, 2028. Pre-award costs up to 90 days prior to the official start date are permissible at the applicant’s risk. Each application must use the official SCDA FY2025 Application Template and comply with all guidance therein. Reporting obligations include annual and final performance reports aligned with AMS-defined outcome measures. Applications must be submitted by email to scbgp@scda.sc.gov no later than 11:59 PM ET on February 14, 2025. Applicants must also obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via SAM.gov. A virtual RFA overview session will be held on January 17, 2025. Evaluation involves a two-stage review: external experts score applications, and a selection committee makes final determinations. Review criteria include project relevance, methodology, measurable outcomes, budget clarity, and alignment with AMS goals. Applicants may not use funds to benefit only one organization or compete unfairly with private companies. Research components must provide tangible results within two years post-project. SCDA also reserves the right to fund internal projects and to amend program requirements at its discretion. Award notifications will be issued by April 25, 2025, and recipients must comply with state and federal procurement rules, reimbursement procedures, and financial controls.

Use official template; select only 1–3 measurable outcomes to avoid reporting burden; include letters of support; ensure project benefits broad stakeholders; check pre-award cost rules.