Old North News

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of specialty crops in the market. Nonprofits and government agencies interested in applying have until March 10 at 5 p.m. to submit their applications.

The program, managed by NCDA&CS, anticipates funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects must involve specific categories such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery products, floriculture or horticulture crops.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler commented on the program's significance: “We are fortunate in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about any crop, which means the production of specialty crops continues to grow and add to the state’s $111 billion ag industry.” He added that “this $1.2 million in grants helps support and grow specialty crop production.”

Grant requests can be made for amounts up to $200,000 by nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, as well as colleges and universities. The grants are not intended for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization or individual.

Further information on qualifying specialty crops can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop. For grant guidelines and application details, visit www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply/. Inquiries can be directed to Jenni Keith at 919-707-3158 or via email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.