Constitution State News

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in various markets. These crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, maple syrup, honey, horticulture, and nursery crops. Applications are due by March 10, 2025.

"From orchards and vineyards to our robust greenhouse and nursery industry, Connecticut’s specialty crop producers are instrumental in ensuring access to CT Grown farm products through innovation and diversification," stated Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. "These ongoing investments from USDA enable us to fund projects which address the current and future needs of this important sector for farm viability."

Under Governor Lamont's administration, nearly $2.4 million has been invested in enhancing these crops' competitiveness within Connecticut. The program mandates that funded projects benefit more than one entity and yield measurable outcomes for specialty crop industries.

In collaboration with statewide stakeholders, CT DoAg has identified funding priorities for fiscal year 2025:

- Researching innovative practices to boost farm viability

- Enhancing marketing access and value chain development

- Supporting producer career development

- Expanding technical assistance programs

- Improving food safety capacity

- Implementing sub-granting programs

Previous grants have supported research at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station on organic soil amendments and marketing efforts by the Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the SCBGP webpage. A virtual information session will occur on February 19, 2025; pre-registration is required.

Questions about the grant program can be directed to Michael Wolf at Michael.Wolf@ct.gov.

The CT DoAg aims to promote a healthy climate for agriculture through business development and resource protection while fostering public understanding of its contributions to the state's economy.

For media inquiries: Rebecca Eddy at Rebecca.Eddy@ct.gov or 860-573-0323.