Montana Department of Agriculture Requesting 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for over $3 million in federal funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program.

The purpose of the SCBG program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, dried fruits, as well as horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.

Eligible projects include improving efficiency and sustainability of specialty crop industries, research, education, developing new and improved varieties, improving the capacity of the distribution chain, enhancing food safety, pest, and disease control. For a complete list of guidelines and eligibility requirements, please visit agr.mt.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrants or click here.

Grant proposals are due to the Montana Department of Agriculture by 5 p.m. Friday, March 8. Technical assistance calls will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.

For more information, please visit agr.mt.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrants or email [email protected].