Apply Now for 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grants

Feb 27, 2024


The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

“Given the variety of thriving crops in Tennessee, we are pleased to offer this program aimed at amplifying the production and competitiveness of specialty produce,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “This program supports organizations of all sizes with initiatives spanning from pioneering research and educational initiatives to comprehensive market studies.”

SCBGP supports initiatives that directly affect multiple Tennessee producers and provide a learning foundation for future generations of specialty crop growers. Producers, universities, institutions, cooperatives, industry, and community-based organizations are eligible to apply. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, honey, ornamental plants, and other nursery crops.

To submit a proposal, download and complete the 2024 project template. Applicants must email completed paperwork to tn.scbg@tn.gov no later than close of business on March 15, 2024. First-time recipients have a funding limit of $25,000.

The project template and performance measures are available online at www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/business-development/scbg.html. For more information about SCBGP, email tn.scbg@tn.gov.

For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.

Read More News

Apr 23, 2024
Extension agents and specialists from the University of Tennessee Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Department of Plant Sciences are offering educational workshops on garlic production for commercial producers across the state. The Tennessee Garlic Fest workshops begin in July and will include presentations on production and economic considerations and feature a panel discussion of producers of the specialty crop.
 
Apr 16, 2024
Soybeans and corn are Tennessee’s top two row crops by planted acreage, contributing over $1.2 billion and $1.7 billion respectively to the state’s economy each year. University of Tennessee Extension Corn and Soybean Specialist Jake McNeal with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture offers insight into capturing additional yield potential in soybeans with an earlier-than-normal planting window. 
 
Apr 09, 2024
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) proudly announces the first calendar contest for Tennessee FFA and 4-H members. TFC is looking for images that will be used in the 80th anniversary 2025 calendar for Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. As our calendars go to print early, photos are due on April 30. Calendars will be available at local Co-ops in the fall of 2024.