USDA extends specialty crop grants deadline

The USDA has extended the deadline for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program Request for Applications (RFA).

The Specialty Crop Multi-State Program RFAs must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. by Jan. 31, 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

For questions, contact SAGPgrants@usda.gov. Additional information is available on the AMS Specialty Crop Multi-State Program webpage.  AMS is hosting virtual office hours to answer applicant questions on October 17 and November 14.

On August 24, USDA announced the SCMP program will fund up to $10 million in competitive grants to supports collaborative, multi-state projects that address food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific common issues, and marketing and promotion for specialty crops including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

The program aims to strengthens the competitiveness of the nation’s specialty crop industry through collaborative multi-state partnerships, according to a USDA news release.