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Applications are now open for grants from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to increase the competitiveness of domestic and foreign markets for Minnesota-grown specialty crops.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds projects that will:

• Market and promote specialty crops

• Support research and development related to specialty crops

• Expand the availability and access to specialty crops

•Address challenges faced by producers of specialty crops

The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $1.25 million in grants using a competitive review process, with a maximum award of $125,000 and a minimum award of $25,000. There is no matching requirement.

Applications for 2025 SCBGP funds must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

Visit the MDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program web page for full program and application details, as well as lists of previously funded projects.

Note: Due to recent Executive Orders, federal funding may be reduced or cancelled. Publishing this request for proposals (RFP) does not commit the state to awarding any federal funds.