The 2026 Application period is now open. The application deadline is Friday, April 3 at 2:00pm.
Find out information and how to apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
- This page, Apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Contacts
Keri Cornman
Online
The Details
What you need
The SCBGP FY26 RFR and other supporting documentation and information is posted openly on COMMBUYS under Bid # BD-26-1002-1003-001-125347. To access the RFR and all related documents, you must click on the bid link and download the blue hyperlinked documents from COMMBUYS within the “File Attachments” section.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Specialty Crop industries in Massachusetts.
What is a Specialty Crop?
Find out what qualifies as a Specialty Crop. A full definition and list of Specialty Crops can be found on the USDA's Specialty Crop Website.
Who May Apply?
- Farmers and ranchers
- Eligible non-profit organizations
- Local government entities
- For-profit organizations
- Industry trade associations
- Producer groups
- Commodity commissions
Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.
How to apply
Download the RFR and Application (Form C) on COMMBUYS, and follow the outlined template to create an application and follow necessary required criteria. Detailed instructions for application requirements can be found on the RFR.
Download the RFR and Application (Form C) on COMMBUYS, and follow the outlined template to create an application and follow necessary required criteria. Detailed instructions for application requirements can be found on the RFR.
All materials must be sent to the attention of by the deadline included within the RFR, *no late postmarks will be accepted.
Keri Cornman, Grants Manager
MA Department of Agricultural Resources
100 Cambridge St, STE 900
Boston, MA 02114
More info
The SCBGP RFR and other supporting documentation and information is posted openly on COMMBUYS under Bid # BD-26-1002-1003-001-125347.
Two informational webinars will be provided, where questions may be asked will be held for interested applicants on the dates listed below. Please follow the registration link(s) below to access one or more of the webinars.
- Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 2:00pm
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 1:00pm
Examples of Eligible Projects:
- Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
- Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems;
- Assisting all entities in the specialty crop distribution process in implementing practices and standards that improve food safety which may include but are not limited to the “Commonwealth Quality Program”, “Good Agricultural Practices”, “Good Handling Practices”, “Good Manufacturing Practices”, and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors;
- Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
- Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
- Pest and disease control;
- Development of organic and sustainable production practices
Examples of Ineligible Projects:
- A proposal for funds to purchase starter plants or equipment used to plant, cultivate, and grow a specialty crop for the purpose of making a profit, or to expand production of a single business;
- A proposal for funds from a specialty crop organization to promote their members’ businesses;
- A proposal for capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, buildings, and land;
- A proposal that seeks to support a non-specialty crop project.
Contact
Address
100 Cambridge Street, Ste 900, Boston, MA 02114