Grants to South Dakota nonprofit organizations, government agencies, IHEs, Tribal governments, producer organizations, and individuals to enhance the competitiveness of local crops. Applicants are advised that required registrations must be completed prior to applying. Funding is intended to be used for marketing, promotion, research, food safety, nutrition, distribution, and best management practices to advance the specialty crop industry.
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops produced in South Dakota. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)."
Grant funds can be used to increase specialty crop consumption and purchasing, expand production and market access, bolster food safety knowledge and processes, improve pest and disease control and environmental sustainability, contribute to new seed variety development, and expand specialty crop research and development.
South Dakota is prioritizing three of the USDA AMS Outcomes for the FY23 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for proposals funded under this solicitation:
- Increasing Access to Specialty Crops and Expanding Specialty Crop Production and Distribution
- Increasing Consumption and Consumer Purchasing of Specialty Crops
- Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
Proposals are welcome for projects working to accomplish any of the seven AMS outcomes below, and SD DANR welcomes projects that target multiple outcomes and indicators. Projects that meet at least one of South Dakota’s three priority areas will receive priority. SD DANR will consider projects that address at least one of the USDA AMS Outcomes:
- Increasing Consumption and Consumer Purchasing of Specialty Crops
- Increasing Access to Specialty Crops and Expanding Specialty Crop Production and Distribution
- Increase Food Safety Knowledge and Processes
- Improve Pest and Disease Control Processes
- Develop New Seed Varieties and Specialty Crops
- Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
- Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
Examples of Allowable Projects:
- A non-profit organization requests funds to demonstrate the viability of organic small fruit production and partners with Cooperative Extension to publicize the working model of diversification to other regional growers.
- A single farmer implements food safety practices or models on his/her property to meet food safety requirements and conducts a field day and training services to encourage other small family farmers to adopt the methods.
For information regarding eligible project expenses, see: https://danr.sd.gov/Conservation/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant/docs/2023/2023%20DANR%20SCBG%20RFA%20Clean%20for%20Posting.pdf#page=8
