The 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS). The program supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic or international markets, with a focus on promoting innovation, sustainability, and accessibility in the specialty crop sector across New Jersey.

Specialty crops eligible under this program include vegetables, fruits (including grapes for wine), nuts, horticultural products (such as Christmas trees), honey, herbs, potatoes, sweet corn, and algae. Non-eligible commodities include feed crops, food grains, livestock, dairy, poultry products, eggs, seafood, range grasses, and oilseed crops. The program explicitly prohibits funding for projects that benefit only a single entity. All proposed projects must produce measurable outcomes benefiting the specialty crop industry or the broader public and must not promote unfair competition.

Eligible applicants include organizations representing the New Jersey specialty crop industry that can demonstrate broad impact beyond a single institution or business. While single entities are discouraged from applying individually, they are encouraged to form partnerships or consortia to strengthen their applications. The NJDA places particular emphasis on projects that benefit small farms, beginning farmers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities, encouraging applicants to involve these groups directly in project development and implementation.

Funded projects must address one or more of the following goals: marketing and promoting specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development; expanding access and availability of specialty crops; or addressing regional and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Project themes may include food safety improvements, pest and disease control, seed variety development, supply chain efficiencies, nutrition education, and conservation-focused research.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on April 10, 2025, and must be submitted through the SimpliGov online portal. Late applications will not be considered. Funding awards of up to $40,000 per project are available, with notification dates to be determined. Applicants are advised to review the Request for Proposals and USDA General Terms and Conditions to ensure compliance.

For questions or technical support, applicants may contact Deelip Mhaske, Grants Administrator for NJDA’s Marketing and Development Division, via phone or email. All application materials and instructions are available through the NJDA website.