$350,000 in Funding Available to Boost Specialty Crop Industry Through Research, Market Development, and Sustainability Initiatives
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
The program, funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, supports projects that improve the specialty crop industry in Louisiana.
LDAF anticipates allocating at least $350,000 in funding. Grants will be used to enhance the competitiveness of Louisiana-grown specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops.
Eligible projects may focus on production improvements, market development, food safety, research, pest and disease control, and educational initiatives.
Funding will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a single organization or individual. Instead, projects must focus on broader industry benefits.
Eligible applicants include producer associations, nonprofits, local and state government agencies, and qualified educational institutions.
All applicants must reside in Louisiana or have a Louisiana-based organization. A Unique Entity ID (UEI) number is required for application submission.
Once the deadline passes, applications will be reviewed and scored by industry experts, with final funding recommendations made by LDAF.
The application deadline is March 17, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. More information, including the full request for applications, can be found at www.ldaf.la.gov.
for inquiries, contact Michelle Estay at 985-345-9483.