LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of the Arkansas specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, and tree nuts.
Funding for the 2021 SCBGP is made available in response to priority needs relating to COVID-19 and provides flexibilities not typically offered in SCBGP funding due to the exigent circumstances of the pandemic.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture uses a two-phase application process for administering the grant funds. Project concept proposals outlining the project’s goals, tasks, and budget requirements must be submitted by March 1.
Entities may apply for both grant opportunities. After all concept proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee, selected projects will be invited to submit detailed project proposals.
Applicants are encouraged to develop projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:
- Increasing sales and marketability and driving demand for specialty crops;
- Increasing consumption of specialty crops in Arkansas’s schools by expanding child knowledge and/or improving access to the nutritional benefits of specialty crops;
- Increasing access to local healthy foods;
- Research projects focused on helping specialty crop growers reduce financial costs, improve pest and disease management, and/or value-added products; and
- Enhancing specialty crop food safety.
The 2022 SCBGP application can be found at: cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant2022ProjectConceptProposal
The 2021 SCBGP HR 133 application can be found at: cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant2021HR133ProjectConceptProposal
Information about the 2022 SCBGP is available in the Request for Applications (RFA) at: agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SCBGP2022-RFA.pdf.
Information about the 2021 SCBGP HR 133 is available in the RFA at: agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SCBGP2021-HR133-RFA.pdf.
For additional information, contact Amy Lyman, amy.lyman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
