ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 25, 2025) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture is currently accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a reimbursement grant program designed to boost the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2025.

According to the department, approximately $400,000 in funding will be available for eligible non-profit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, and other organizations. The goal of the program is to promote and enhance the production and accessibility of specialty crops in Maryland. These crops include fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks expressed his support for the program and encouraged those in the specialty crop sector to apply for the grant. He stated that Maryland farmers have seen great success by diversifying their crops or venturing into new specialties.

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The grants will be awarded competitively with a minimum amount of $15,000 per project. In previous years, grants have ranged from $15,000 to $140,000. Projects must be completed within two years and conclude by November 15th, 2027. Proposals will be evaluated based on their potential impact on specialty crop producers in Maryland.

Applicants must either be residents of Maryland or have a business or educational affiliation within the state. Proposals can be submitted online through Maryland OneStop. The deadline to apply is March 30th at 11:59 p.m., after which all applications will be reviewed by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program manager and review committee.

Funding for this program is made available through the U.S. Farm Bill by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

To provide more information about the program and application process, an informational Zoom session will be held on March 4th at 12:30 pm. For any questions or inquiries about Maryland's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, interested parties can contact the program's administrator Karen Fedor at scbgp.mda@maryland.gov or 410-841-5773. Additional information can also be found on the department's website.

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