Alaska Specialty Crop Block Grant

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) distributes block grant funds annually, which are administered by State departments/ divisions of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG) seeks to increase production, consumption, access, knowledge, and sustainability of Alaska Grown specialty crops, sustain farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen local communities. Each year, the Alaska Division of Agriculture receives approximately $250,000 from USDA for this program to distribute through competitive grants. Potential grant recipients might include a group of professional producers, universities, extension services, soil and water conservation districts, or schools working in cooperation with a business or non- profit. The maximum award amount for this grant is $60,000. The grant performance period for this grant is up to 3 years.