By Jamie Martin
The Delaware Department of Agriculture is now inviting proposals for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. A total of $340,000 is available through a competitive process to fund projects that improve Delaware’s specialty crop industry.
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery products, dried fruits, and floriculture. Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000 for projects lasting one to three years.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers, nonprofits, for-profit entities, government bodies, and academic institutions based in Delaware or affiliated with the state.
Projects must focus on benefiting the specialty crop sector through measurable outcomes.
Past grant recipients worked on initiatives like expanding community-supported agriculture, researching new crop varieties, using deer deterrent methods, and marketing local crops.
This year’s timeline is shorter than in previous years, with the final submission deadline set for 4:30 p.m. (EST) on June 24, 2025. The department acknowledges the limited lead time, stating, “We appreciate the challenge this short turnaround may create, but it’s needed to meet USDA timelines for this year’s grants.”
Field crops like corn and soybeans and animal agriculture are not eligible for this funding.
Approved proposals will be added to Delaware’s State Plan for USDA review and approval.
To apply or get more information, visit de.gov/scbg or contact Sheree Nichols at DDAMarketing@delaware.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: National