This RFP is soliciting proposals for inclusion in the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market’s application to the USDA SCBG program. Guided by the State’s Specialty Crop Advisory Group, this RFP focuses on a subset of the outcomes specified in the broader USDA SCBG RFP. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:

• Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
• Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
• Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
• Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops

The purpose of New York’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is to enhance the competitiveness of New York specialty crops by creating partnerships; fostering innovation; increasing efficiencies; reducing costs; and enhancing the long-term viability of New York’s specialty crop agricultural businesses and food systems.

For this RFP, “specialty crops” means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture). A detailed list of commonly recognized specialty crops is provided in Appendix A. The list can also be found on USDA’s web site: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop

The New York Specialty Crop Block Grant Advisory Committee, composed of farmer members of specialty crop organizations and associations, and other industry stakeholders, recommended the RFP focus on specialty crop research and grower education.  Examples of research and grower education projects include, but are not limited to:

• Research and/or education that address a key conventional or organic production problem or need specific to New York State.
• Developing and increasing the utilization of Integrated Pest Management strategies and programs.
• Prioritizing and addressing native and exotic pests and disease threats through development of pest risk assessments.
• Supporting plant breeding for the development of specialty crops resistant to exotic and native pests.
• Applied research and development to extend the growing season of New York specialty crops through new technologies, improved management practices, or other innovative production strategies.
• Developing new seed varieties and specialty crops with optimal performance under New York State conditions.

Eligible costs include: personnel, fringe benefits, travel, special purpose equipment, supplies, and contractual costs and services directly related to an eligible project. 

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Estimated Total Program Funding: