The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Market Development Branch (MDB), is now accepting applications for its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for Fiscal Year 2025. This year, the program has a total funding allocation of $512,663, with individual award amounts ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
The SCBGP aims to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s specialty crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. A significant portion of Hawaiʻi’s diversified agricultural output falls under this designation.
Eligible applicants for the grant include a broad range of entities such as non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, universities, and individuals. All applicants, or their business/educational affiliation, must be registered in Hawaiʻi or reside in the state.
The program’s primary objective is to fund projects that offer measurable benefits or a strong return on investment to Hawaiʻi’s specialty crop sector. Proposals must demonstrate how they will enhance the competitiveness of Hawaiʻi-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Preference will be given to projects that can measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, or those that foster the development of new crops and organic farming operations.
Detailed application information, including the Request for Proposals (RFP25-03-MDB), is available on the State Procurement Office website. The deadline for submitting applications is noon on June 20, 2025.
To assist potential applicants, an instructional video will be posted on the SCBGP website. For further inquiries, individuals can contact the HDOA at 808-973-9594 or email hdoa.mdbrfp@hawaii.gov.