WSDA Accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Proposals

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is now accepting Concept Proposals for the 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. WSDA’s program is used to award USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Washington’s specialty crops. Projects cannot benefit a single commercial product, and projects cannot provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete with private companies.

In order to submit a concept proposal, please go to the Specialy Crop Block Grant Program web page for more information and a link to create an application account. All concept proposals are due November 4, 2019, 4:00 p.m. PST. This is a link to the formal 2020 Request for Proposals (RFP).

All prospective applicants are asked to Click Here to learn more about eligibility and application requirements before beginning the application process. Applicants are also encouraged to start the application process early to provide adequate time to ensure a complete and thorough proposal is submitted.

Eligible organizations include

industry associations
producer groups
commodity commissions
non-profit organizations
for-profit organizations
local, state, and federal government entities
educational institutions

Projects cannot benefit a single commercial product. Projects cannot provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete with private companies.

Specialty crops include

fruits and vegetables
tree nuts
dried fruits
horticulture
nursery crops (including floriculture)

Eligible specialty crop plants are cultivated for food, medicinal purposes, or beautification. Processed goods should consist of more than 50% of the specialty crop by weight. For any questions regarding the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program’s requirements or eligibility, please E-mail or call (360) 902-2091.

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