Specialty Crop Block Grant Program FY26

Background
The Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) is administering a competitive request for proposal process to award federal funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Hawaii.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) was reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Act, with funding based on the average value of specialty crop cash receipts and acreage in Hawaii. The SCBGP aims to strengthen American agriculture by enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees this program and requires reporting on its outcomes at a national level.

Work Details
Eligible projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in domestic or foreign markets and may include:
- Increasing production to replace imports
- Improving nutritional knowledge and consumption
- Enhancing sustainability practices
- Food safety improvements
- Developing new seed varieties
- Improving distribution efficiency.

Projects must benefit more than one organization or product and cannot be solely for profit. Funding amounts range from $25,000 to $70,000 per project with a completion deadline of 24 months from contract initiation. Matching funds are not required but are encouraged.

Period of Performance
Projects must be completed no later than 24 months from the effective date of the contract. Funding is anticipated to be available between April and May 2027.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance is Hawaii.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government entities (local, state, federal), for-profit organizations, universities, and individuals registered in Hawaii.

Applicants must comply with all applicable laws governing business operations in Hawaii and provide proof of compliance through the Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE). They must not be debarred or suspended from federal assistance programs.