The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is inviting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This initiative, funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS), aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops within Iowa. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

The primary objective of the SCBGP is to support projects that benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole, rather than individual entities. Eligible projects may focus on areas such as research, marketing, food safety, pest and disease control, and sustainability practices. The goal is to address challenges and opportunities within Iowa's specialty crop sectors, fostering growth and innovation.

For the 2025 funding cycle, IDALS has set a maximum subaward amount of $30,000 per project. However, if there are insufficient qualified projects to allocate all available funds, IDALS reserves the right to adjust the maximum award amount to fully utilize the funding. Projects can span up to 30 months in duration, providing flexibility for both short-term initiatives and longer-term endeavors.

Eligible applicants include Iowa-based agencies, universities, institutions, producer associations, industry groups, and community-based organizations. While single organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners, the projects themselves must deliver broad benefits to the state's specialty crop industry without directly profiting a single entity. Applicants must be legal entities capable of contracting and must reside or conduct their operations within Iowa.

The application process requires several components: a completed Project Profile Template, a signed Cover Sheet, a detailed Work Plan, descriptions of key personnel, at least three letters of support (including one from a grower or grower group), and documentation of matching funds if applicable. Additional required documents include a W-9 Form, a Minority Impact Statement, a Grantee Self-Assessment of Internal Controls and Risks, and proof of registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Proposals must be submitted electronically or via mail to IDALS by 4:00 p.m. on March 3, 2025.

To assist potential applicants, IDALS has scheduled an office hour session on February 10, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. This session provides an opportunity to discuss project ideas, ask questions, and gain insights from others considering applying for the grant. Additionally, IDALS is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Review Committee, which evaluates and makes recommendations on submitted proposals. Interested individuals with expertise in specialty crops or grant management are encouraged to apply by February 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

Applicants will be notified of preliminary acceptance by April 25, 2025, with final USDA approval potentially occurring in September or October. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact Amy Gamble, the SCBGP Manager at IDALS, via email at amy.gamble@iowaagriculture.gov or by phone at (515) 281-7657.