Department of Agriculture

NR24-06
Feb. 15, 2024

HONOLULU –  The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Development Branch (MDB) is currently accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Fiscal Year 2024. The HDOA will be awarding a total of approximately $523,000 to Hawai‘i proposals that enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i specialty crops. Project awards may range from $20,000 to $70,000. The grant selection is expected in late April 2024 with funds to be distributed in early 2025.

Under the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated funding to each state based on the value of the specialty crops produced in the state. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Much of Hawai‘i’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, universities and individuals for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i’s specialty crops. Applicants must reside in, or their business or educational affiliation must be registered in Hawai‘i.

The primary goal of this grant program is to support projects that could provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop segment in Hawai‘i. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawai‘i-grown specialty crops, in either domestic or foreign markets. Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations.

Application information for the Request for Proposals (RFP24-01-MDB) is available on the State Procurement Office website at: https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/23848

The application deadline is noon on March 18, 2024. 

A webinar will be scheduled in the future to assist interested parties with the application process. Check the MDB website for updated information: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/scbgp/

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**UPDATE: 

To view the SCBGP webinar that was held on March 6, 2024, go to HDOA’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyKS85z6BNE

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Inquiries may be addressed to 808-973-9594 or email: [email protected]

Over the years, HDOA has secured increased funding for the SCBGP from the USDA. Last year Hawai‘i was awarded a total of nearly $534,000. In Fiscal Year 2022, Hawai‘i received more than $469,000.

More information on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp