Laws/Regulations

The Connecticut Department of Agricultural (hereinafter, “CT DoAg”) is soliciting applications whose project specifically addresses the goals the United States Department of Agriculture (hereinafter, “USDA”) has for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). 

The goals of a submitted project must enhance the competitiveness of United States specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets.  Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey), and nursery crops (including floriculture).  A complete list of eligible and ineligible specialty crops can be found on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant website: www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

The USDA is the funding entity and has the final approval of projects.  Prior to the USDA’s approval, CT DoAg will conduct an administrative review for completeness and a confidential review panel of industry representatives will make award recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture.  The USDA will make the final award decisions.