Beehive State News

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has announced the call for grant proposals for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant. The initiative aims to support projects that boost the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Utah, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture and nursery crops.

"Utah is the nation’s second leading producer of tart cherries and climate produces some of the most desirable stone fruit in the nation, all of which are specialty crops that are vital important to our state," stated Kelly Pehrson, UDAF Interim Commissioner. "The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is proud to administer this grant program and looks forward to innovative developments in the state’s specialty crop industries."

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), managed by UDAF, utilizes federal funds from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Eligible applicants include producers, private businesses, schools, trade associations, non-profits, farming and ranching co-ops based in Utah. Proposals should demonstrate how projects will impact and yield measurable benefits for the broader specialty crop industry or public.

Applications will be accepted until April 9, 2025. Due to current federal funding freezes, there is a possibility that funding may be reduced or canceled; however, UDAF encourages submissions with optimism about funding availability. For further details, contact Allison Ross at [email protected] or visit https://ag.utah.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant-program.