The 2025 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program for New York State is a competitive grant initiative managed by the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM). The program aims to fund projects that improve the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops in New York State, focusing on research, development, and education aligned with USDA outcomes.

The program prioritizes achieving outcomes in four key areas: improving pest and disease control processes, developing new seed varieties and specialty crops, expanding specialty crop research and development, and improving environmental sustainability. Competitive proposals must focus on these USDA outcomes and measurable indicators, which are detailed in accompanying USDA documents.

New York State-specific priorities for 2025 emphasize research and education that address production challenges, integrated pest management (IPM), pest risk assessments, pest-resistant crop breeding, and technologies to extend the growing season. Additional priorities include market-based research to enhance crop competitiveness, mechanical weed control technologies, and developing new specialty crop varieties tailored to New York's growing conditions.

Eligible applicants for this grant include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local or tribal governments. Proposals must request funding between $50,000 and $200,000 and span a maximum of eight quarters, with work conducted between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2028.

The application process begins on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, and submissions must be completed by 11:59 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024. Applicants are required to use an online platform to register their organization and create user profiles. The platform’s “Create New Account” feature facilitates the registration process. Duplicate registrations will be resolved by NYFVI after the initial registration phase.

To assist applicants, two informational webinars will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 (afternoon), and Wednesday, November 20, 2024 (morning). These webinars provide a platform for asking questions, as individual consultations about the RFP are not permitted. Interested applicants must register in advance, and meeting links will be distributed during the week of the webinars.

Supporting materials, including a PDF of the application and related files, are available for download to help applicants prepare their submissions. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review all documents and guidelines to ensure their proposals align with USDA outcomes and New York State priorities. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in advancing specialty crop competitiveness and sustainability across the state.