Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in Vermont
This article guides you about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Grant to Strengthen Vermont’s Specialty Crop Industries, and Producers Association.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets announces the availability of grant funding to enhance the competitiveness of Vermont specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, herbs and spices, medicinal plants, maple syrup, honey, hops, mushrooms, nursery crops, Christmas trees, and floriculture also.
Everyone who is interested can apply until February 28, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. You should read the complete information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
Overview
| Donor Name | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets |
| Program | Specialty Crop Block Grant Program |
| State | Vermont |
| County | All Counties |
| Deadline | January 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM |
| Grant size | $20,000 and $45,000 |
| Grant Duration | 30 months |
| Official website | https://agriculture.vermont.gov/grants/specialtycrop |
The Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture provides special crop block grants to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. The State of Vermont’s Agency for Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM) administers these funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Vermont and regionally.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds have the following purposes of increasing the competitiveness of specialty crops such as:
- Leveraging marketing and promotional efforts for specific crops.
- To help the growers with appropriate research and development for specialty crops.
- Expanding the availability and access of specialty crops.
- Addressing local, regional, and national challenges facing specialty crops producers.
The key is that USDA AMS supports projects that meet the needs of US specialty crop producers and strengthen local and regional food systems.
SCBGP Funding Information
The Specialty Crop Block Grant program has no set minimum or maximum award, but it competitively awards a total of $200,000 each year.
They have done special projects competitively between $4,000 and $58,000 in the last 5 years.
The average award over this period was approx $30,000, and 50% of awarded projects received between $20,000 and $45,000.
SCBGP Project Period
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program projects in Vermont are funded for up to 30 months (i.e., two years and six months).
Eligibility requirements
- Any unit may be eligible to apply for SCBGP, but projects must benefit more than one specialty crop business, individual, or organization.
- Applicants should describe how their project will benefit them.
- The particular crop will generate measurable results for industries rather than a business, organizations, or individuals.
How to Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
To apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application, you need to download the application as a pdf and fill out the application online from the official website.
Online process:
- Log in to WebGrants at agriculturegrants.vermont.gov. if you are a new user please register your account.
- You need to Review the Funding Opportunity information and click Start New Application.
- Fill out the general information form such as application title and contact information, then click Save Form Information.
- Select the name of your organization from the dropdown menu, then click Save Form Info.
- You can Add another user from your organization who will be interested in the application or potential grant. If applicable, click Save Form Information.
- It will direct you to the list of application forms. Complete each form listed under “Application Details” by clicking on each form title under “Components.” The forms will differ depending on the program you are applying for.
- Once you fill out the details click on Save information.
- Review and fill out the application and submit it.
After submitting your application, you will see Application Submitted Confirmation with an Application ID number on the screen.
You can add agriculturegrants.vermont@webgrantsmail.com to your email contact list to be sure to receive messages and alerts from the system.