Montana Department of Agriculture requesting Specialty Crop Block Grant applications

Press release

HELENA — The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for over $3 million in federal funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant 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, people can visit https://agr.mt.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrants .

Grant proposals are due to the Montana Department of Agriculture by 5 p.m. March 8, 2024. Technical assistance calls will be held on January 31, 2024, 1:00 pm and February 28, 2024, 10 a.m. For more information, people can visit https://agr.mt.gov/SpecialtyCropBlock

Grants or email scbg@mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, people can visit https://agr.mt.gov .