Garden State Times

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grants. These grants are aimed at supporting agricultural organizations that represent multiple producers within the specialty crop sector, which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. A significant portion of New Jersey's agriculture is classified under this category.

NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn highlighted the importance of these grants: “Many producers in New Jersey fall under the specialty crop designation and have used this grant opportunity for financial assistance with marketing initiatives.” He added that by issuing the request for proposals (RFP) early, they hope to reach producers before they become occupied with planting and early harvest activities. Wengryn encouraged interested parties to apply for these federal funds.

Eligible projects must "enhance the competitiveness" of specialty crops. This could involve research, promotion, marketing efforts, nutrition programs, trade enhancement initiatives, food safety measures, food security improvements, plant health programs, educational activities, "buy local" campaigns, increased consumption strategies, innovation enhancements, efficiency improvements in distribution systems or cost reductions. Other areas include addressing environmental concerns and conservation efforts as well as product development and cooperative formation.

Applications can be downloaded from www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/specialtycropblockgrants.html. The deadline for submission is set for 5 p.m., April 10, 2025. The NJDA notes that publishing this RFP does not obligate the state to award any federal funds.