Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture with funding provided through the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. The program is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops across Ohio, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery and horticulture crops. The Ohio Department of Agriculture acts as the state-level administrator, soliciting project proposals and recommending awards, while final approval authority remains with the USDA. The program is contingent on federal allocation and is intended to support long-term economic viability and market expansion for specialty crop industries. The primary objective of this grant program is to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic and international markets. Eligible activities include marketing and promotion, research and development, improving access and availability, addressing production challenges such as climate or pests, enhancing food safety, and expanding distribution efficiency. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes and provide clear benefits to the broader specialty crop industry rather than a single entity. Proposals that generate profit for only one organization or individual are explicitly disallowed. Funding amounts range from a minimum of 25000 to a maximum of 150000 per award. All applicants are required to provide a minimum 25 percent match of the requested grant amount, which may be in cash or in-kind contributions. Funds must be used strictly for project-related expenses, and equipment purchases over 5000 are not permitted. Projects may last up to two years, with a defined performance period from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2028. Reimbursements are provided on a quarterly basis after expenses are incurred, requiring detailed documentation and reporting. Eligibility is limited to food and agricultural nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, associations, commodity groups, universities, and research institutions that represent specialty crop sectors. Individuals and partnerships may participate only through an eligible applicant organization. Projects must benefit multiple stakeholders within the specialty crop industry and cannot serve a single private business or organization. Additional eligibility restrictions apply to employees of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and individuals with conflicts of interest related to the review process. The application process requires submission of multiple components, including a USDA Project Profile Template, an applicant information form, and a compiled PDF of appendices. These appendices must include a project abstract, a detailed budget outlining the required match, three letters of support, resumes for key personnel, and proof of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the program coordinator by the stated deadline. Incomplete or late submissions are not considered. The review process involves evaluation by a panel that makes recommendations to the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Final decisions are forwarded to the USDA for approval. Evaluation criteria emphasize measurable outcomes, industry-wide benefits, and the ability to address key challenges or opportunities within the specialty crop sector. Selected projects may be modified in scope or budget during negotiation prior to contract execution. For the 2026 cycle, the request for proposals opened on April 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Review recommendations occur in May, with the state plan submitted to USDA by the end of May. Contracts are expected to be finalized by November 3, 2026. Reporting requirements include quarterly progress updates tied to reimbursements and mandatory annual and final reports. The program is recurring annually, subject to federal funding availability, with similar timelines anticipated in future cycles.

Ensure projects demonstrate measurable outcomes and benefit the broader specialty crop industry rather than a single entity; clearly align objectives with competitiveness and market expansion goals