Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS), aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Louisiana.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2025. LDAF expects to allocate at least $350,000 for projects within the state. Eligible projects include those focusing on fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, floriculture, and horticulture. These funds will not be awarded to projects that benefit a single commercial product or entity but rather aim to support industry-wide improvements.

Potential areas for project focus include distribution, production research, pest and disease control, market development, nutrition knowledge enhancement and consumption increase, food safety promotion, and education. Eligible applicants include producer associations, state or local organizations or governments, qualified educational institutions, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in the specialty crop sector. Individual organizations are encouraged to participate as partners.

Applicants must reside in Louisiana or have their organization based there. They must also obtain a Unique Identity ID (UEI) number for their application. After submission deadlines pass, applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry stakeholders who will make funding recommendations to LDAF. Approved projects will be part of a state grant request submitted to USDA.

For further guidance on applying and details about eligible crops or instructions can be found at https://www.ldaf.la.gov/food/selling/produce/specialty-crops/program and https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop respectively.

For additional information regarding the grant program or application process contact Michelle Estay at 985-345-9483.