The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), provides funding to projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of specialty crop industries within the state of Massachusetts. Specialty crops include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. A complete definition and list of eligible specialty crops can be found on the USDA Specialty Crop Website.

Eligible applicants for the SCBGP include:

Socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers
Nonprofit organizations
Local government entities
For-profit organizations
Industry trade associations
Producer groups
Commodity commissions
Applicants must submit proposals via email to Keri.Cornman@mass.gov by the application deadline of Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Proposals sent via fax will not be accepted. It is essential that applicants receive a confirmation email from MDAR to ensure their application was successfully submitted.

Eligible projects should focus on improving efficiency, food safety, environmental conservation, pest and disease control, organic and sustainable farming practices, nutrition awareness, and research initiatives related to specialty crops. Additionally, projects that have a positive impact on Environmental Justice (EJ) communities and demonstrate support from those communities will receive additional points during the evaluation process.

Examples of ineligible projects include those seeking funds to purchase plants or equipment for profit-making purposes, expand production for a single business, support marketing efforts for a specific organization, or cover capital expenditures for buildings and land. All funded projects must comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including any applicable public health guidelines.

Two informational webinars will be available for prospective applicants:

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The Request for Response (RFR) document and Application Form C are required for submission and are available for download from the Mass.gov website or COMMBUYS under Bid # BD-25-1002-1003-001-111957.

For further information, applicants can contact:

Keri Cornman at (617) 620-0200 or via email at Keri.Cornman@mass.gov
Rebecca Davidson at (857) 202-7699 or via email at Rebecca.Davidson@mass.gov