|
The 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Phase I Grant Opportunity Request for Applications is now open. Information, including the Request for Applications, may be found on the Maine SCBGP webpage.
Eligibility: Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, and federal government entities, including Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized); and public or private colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. One applicant entity will not be selected to receive more than 30% of the total amount awarded.
Phase I Application Deadline: December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Informational Q & A Webinars will be hosted through Zoom on the following dates and times:
The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 authorized the USDA to provide grants to State departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is eligible to submit a State Plan for these funds. The State Plan will include projects that are submitted, reviewed, and recommended for approval by the USDA through this formal RFA process.
Funding is contingent upon the passage of a U.S. Farm Bill and the availability of funding and approval from the USDA. DACF will award up to $500,000 to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Maine specialty crops. Grant amounts will range from $15,000 to $100,000. The tentative grant performance period is from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2028.
DACF’s 2026 SCBGP consists of a two-phase solicitation process. DACF is now accepting applications for Phase I.
During Phase I, applicants must submit a Concept Proposal (i.e., an overview of their proposed project) online using the link provided on the SCBGP website. DACF will review, score, and advise all Phase I applicants on the outcome. Phase I applicants will be selected based on their evaluation scores and the funds available to receive an invitation to Phase II.
During Phase II, the highest-scoring Phase I applicants will be invited to submit a Grant Application (i.e., a more detailed description of their formalized project). DACF will provide applicants with specific Phase II requirements, instructions, and the invitation to submit a grant application. Phase II applications will not be scored. DACF staff will provide technical assistance to support Phase II applicants in preparing a proposal for review by USDA AMS SCBGP staff. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of the USDA review process.
Phase I Concept Proposal Applications Must:
- Demonstrate a concept plan for a proposed project with a high likelihood of success.
- Demonstrate a plan to implement a project that will benefit multiple specialty crop growers by enhancing the competitiveness of Maine specialty crops
- Identify the specific and existing issue, problem, or need the project will address.
- Demonstrate industry need and support.
- Demonstrate readiness to conduct outreach to encourage participants to participate in project-related activities.
- Demonstrate willingness to share project results and lessons learned with specialty crop growers.
|
