Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Under the 2008 Farm Bill, WSDA receives grant funding from USDA to enhance the competitiveness of Washington’s specialty crops. WSDA conducts an annual competitive application process to award grant funds. Funding for the program is scheduled to continue through 2012. For general program information, see SCBGP Information [PDF 114 kb].

Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops. For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, see Definition of Specialty Crops [external link].

2012 APPLICATION PROCESS (NOW CLOSED)
WSDA is conducting a two-phase competitive process to award an estimated $3 million for 2012.

• Phase I, Pre-Proposal: Applicants submitted a short project proposal.  The deadline to submit a Pre-Proposal for 2012 funding was January 25, 2012.
• Phase II, Grant Proposal:  Successful Phase I applicants were asked to submit a full Grant Proposal.  Specific requirements and instructions were included in the Request for Grant Proposals notification. Grant Proposals will only be accepted from invited applicants.

SCHEDULE
Phase I - Pre-Proposal
Request for Pre-Proposals (RFP) Released by WSDA - December 19, 2011 
Pre-Proposals Due - January 25, 2012 by 4:00 p.m. (PST)

Phase II - Grant Proposal
Request for Grant Proposals Released by WSDA - March 13, 2012
Grant Proposals Due - April 16, 2012
WSDA Application Due to USDA for Approval - July 11, 2012