Specialty Crop Block Grants

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) is administering the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This initiative supports projects that aim to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in New Jersey, both in domestic and international markets. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, honey, horticultural crops like Christmas trees, potatoes, sweet corn, and even algae. Excluded commodities include livestock, dairy, poultry, seafood, grains, and oilseeds. Eligible applicants are organizations that can demonstrate how their projects will benefit the broader specialty crop industry or public, rather than any single entity. While individuals, businesses, and institutions cannot apply solely for their own benefit, they are encouraged to partner on broader projects. Funding cannot be used for projects that would create an unfair competitive advantage or benefit a single entity. The program emphasizes inclusion and encourages projects that serve smaller farms, beginning and underserved farmers, veterans, and disadvantaged communities. Applicants intending to serve these groups are urged to involve the target beneficiaries directly in the development process. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through means such as marketing and promotion, research and development, increasing access and availability, or addressing systemic industry challenges. Suggested focus areas include food safety improvements, compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act, pest and disease management, research into conservation, developing new seed varieties, enhancing nutrition and consumption, and increasing distribution efficiency. Sustainability is also a priority. The maximum award for an individual project is $40,000. Projects may not include activities solely benefiting one organization or for-profit expansion. Acceptable projects include nonprofit-led research demonstrations or training initiatives that benefit multiple stakeholders. Unacceptable proposals include direct funding for single-business expansion or self-promotion. Applicants must submit proposals via the SimpliGov portal no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 10, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications must clearly articulate the project's purpose, target beneficiaries, measurable outcomes, and include a detailed budget. While matching funds are encouraged, they are not required. The evaluation process includes criteria such as innovation, clarity, oversight, and overall concept quality. Selected grantees will be notified at a later date. For inquiries, applicants can contact Deelip Mhaske, Grants Administrator at NJDA, via phone or email.

Emphasize public benefit and measurable outcomes; partner for eligibility if single org; include underserved/veteran/community focus for competitiveness.