More than $500,000 available through state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Development Branch (MDB), is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for Fiscal Year 2025. The funding for this year’s program totals $512,663 and seeks project proposals that increase the competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s specialty crops. Award amounts range from $20,000 to $50,000.

Under the program, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) allocated funding to each state based on the value of the specialty crops produced. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Much of Hawaiʻi’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local, state and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, universities and individuals for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s specialty crops. Applicants must reside in, or their business or educational affiliation must be registered in Hawaiʻi.

The primary goal of this grant program is to support projects that could provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop segment in Hawaiʻi. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawaiʻi-grown specialty crops, in either domestic or foreign markets. Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations.

Application information for the Request for Proposals (RFP25-03-MDB) is available on the State Procurement Office website at: https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities

The application deadline is noon on June 20, 2025. 

To assist applicants, an instructional video will be posted on the SCBGP website at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/scbgp/

Inquiries may be addressed to 808-973-9594 or email: hdoa.mdbrfp@hawaii.gov