2021 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Grants to New York nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, educational institutions, and tribes for programs that advance the marketability of eligible agricultural products across the State. Funding is intended to support programs focusing on research and education. Eligible projects emphasize areas such as industrial innovations, enhanced marketing practices and operations, and development of human capital that improve the specialty crop industry.

The New York Farm Viability Institute promotes practical solutions to challenges facing New York’s farmers. New York’s specialty crop agricultural and food systems industry is a valuable component of New York State’s economy, the environment, residents’ health, and quality of life. 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 and reducing costs; and enhancing the long-term viability of New York’s specialty crop agricultural businesses and food systems. 

For the purpose of this RFP, “specialty crops” means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a detailed list of eligible specialty crops, see https://nyfvi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-Specialty-Crop-RFPa.pdf#page=19.

NYFVI is soliciting proposals that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and benefit the greatest number of beneficiaries. The New York Specialty Crop Block Grant Advisory Committee, composed of farmer members of specialty crop organizations and associations, and other industry stakeholders, recommended a focus on specialty crop research and grower education. The following priority areas were identified by the Advisory Committee.

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.

Priority Areas:

•  Improvement of individual specialty crop operations 
  
•  Industry-wide innovation 
•  Early development of new ideas and methods 
•  Improved marketing practices and market access 
•  Development of human capital

Farmers will implement the projects and the planned measurement of progress.

For eligible costs, see https://nyfvi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-Specialty-Crop-RFPa.pdf#page=5.