Opportunity Information: Apply for AMS FV 08 0006
Apply for AMS FV 08 0006
- The Agricultural Marketing Service in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Specialty Crop Block Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 30, 2008 and posted on Sep 30, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 5, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $8,440,500.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 52 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a grant opportunity run by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops across the United States and certain territories. In this program, "specialty crops" specifically means fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture. The funding is intended to support projects that make these crops more competitive in the marketplace, which can include efforts such as marketing and promotion, research and development, improving production practices, food safety initiatives, and other activities that help specialty crop industries grow and stay strong.
This particular notice (Funding Opportunity Number AMS FV 08 0006) announced an estimated total of about $8,440,500 available in grant funds. The award structure is designed to distribute funding broadly, with an expectation of 52 awards, which typically aligns with one award per state or eligible jurisdiction. The published award floor is $100,000, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants do not have to provide matching funds as a condition of receiving an award. The opportunity is categorized as mandatory funding and uses the grant funding instrument.
Eligibility is limited to state-level governmental agricultural agencies. Only state departments of agriculture, defined as agencies, commissions, or departments of a state government responsible for agriculture, may apply. Eligible applicants include the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Individuals, nonprofits, universities, and private businesses cannot apply directly to AMS under this specific opportunity; instead, those groups are encouraged to work through their state department of agriculture. The program explicitly encourages state departments of agriculture to collaborate with industry groups, academic institutions, and community-based organizations when developing their proposals and administering funded projects, which is how many local stakeholders typically participate.
The legal authority for the program comes from the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note), and the application requirements and process are laid out in federal regulations at 7 CFR part 1290. For this funding cycle, AMS accepted applications over a one-year window, with submissions invited any time between March 5, 2008 and March 5, 2009. Applications had to be postmarked by March 5, 2009 to be considered.
For applicants or partners needing more information or help accessing the full announcement, the listed AMS contact for this opportunity was Trista Etzig, Project Manager, reachable by phone at 202-690-4942. Questions about eligibility or how to participate if you are not a state department of agriculture are generally directed to your local state department of agriculture, since states act as the primary applicants and then support projects that benefit the specialty crop sector within their jurisdictions.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) - FAQs
What is the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)?
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a grant opportunity run by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops across the United States and certain territories.
What counts as a "specialty crop" under this program?
Under this program, "specialty crops" specifically means fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
What is the goal of the funding?
The funding is intended to support projects that make specialty crops more competitive in the marketplace and help specialty crop industries grow and stay strong.
What kinds of projects can SCBGP funds support?
The notice describes activities such as marketing and promotion, research and development, improving production practices, food safety initiatives, and other efforts that strengthen the specialty crop sector.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this notice is AMS FV 08 0006.
How much total funding was estimated to be available under this notice?
The notice estimated a total of about $8,440,500 available in grant funds.
How many awards were expected under this notice?
The award structure anticipated 52 awards, which typically aligns with one award per state or eligible jurisdiction.
Is there a minimum award size (award floor)?
Yes. The published award floor is $100,000.
Is matching funding or cost share required?
No. The notice states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, so applicants do not have to provide matching funds as a condition of receiving an award.
What type of funding is this (mandatory vs. discretionary)?
The opportunity is categorized as mandatory funding.
What is the funding instrument used for this opportunity?
The notice indicates the opportunity uses the grant funding instrument.
Who is eligible to apply directly to AMS under this opportunity?
Eligibility is limited to state-level governmental agricultural agencies. Only state departments of agriculture (agencies, commissions, or departments of a state government responsible for agriculture) may apply.
Which jurisdictions are eligible applicants?
Eligible applicants include the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Can individuals apply for this grant?
No. Individuals cannot apply directly to AMS under this specific opportunity.
Can nonprofits, universities, or private businesses apply directly to AMS under this opportunity?
No. Nonprofits, universities, and private businesses cannot apply directly to AMS under this specific opportunity.
If my organization is not a state department of agriculture, how can we participate?
The notice encourages groups that cannot apply directly (such as industry groups, academic institutions, and community-based organizations) to work through their state department of agriculture. States are the primary applicants and commonly collaborate with partners when developing proposals and administering funded projects.
Does the program encourage collaboration with local stakeholders?
Yes. The program explicitly encourages state departments of agriculture to collaborate with industry groups, academic institutions, and community-based organizations when developing proposals and administering funded projects.
What is the legal authority for the SCBGP?
The legal authority cited is the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note).
Where are the application requirements and process described?
The notice states that application requirements and the process are laid out in federal regulations at 7 CFR part 1290.
What were the application dates for this funding cycle?
AMS accepted applications over a one-year window: submissions were invited any time between March 5, 2008 and March 5, 2009.
What was the deadline to submit an application?
Applications had to be postmarked by March 5, 2009 to be considered.
Who was the AMS contact person listed for this opportunity?
The listed AMS contact was Trista Etzig, Project Manager.
How can I contact the AMS point of contact for help with the announcement?
You could reach the listed contact, Trista Etzig (Project Manager), by phone at 202-690-4942.
Who should I contact if I have questions about eligibility or how to participate as a non-state applicant?
Questions about eligibility or how to participate if you are not a state department of agriculture are generally directed to your local state department of agriculture, since states act as the primary applicants and then support projects that benefit the specialty crop sector within their jurisdictions.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: Subway Train Location Overlay System
Previous opportunity: NACA Program 2009
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for AMS FV 08 0006
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (AMS FV 08 0006) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Horn Food Price Crisis Response for Kenya and Uganda Apply for OFDA FY09 001 APS Funding Number: OFDA FY09 001 APS Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| FY 2009 Horn Food Price Crisis Response for Ethiopia Apply for OFDA FY09 002 APS Funding Number: OFDA FY09 002 APS Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Heir Property Apply for RD 09 HEIRPROPERTY Funding Number: RD 09 HEIRPROPERTY Agency: Business and Cooperative Programs Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Federal State Marketing Improvement Program Apply for USDA AMS FSMIP 2009 Funding Number: USDA AMS FSMIP 2009 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| RMA Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program Apply for 2009 01 Funding Number: 2009 01 Agency: Risk Management Agency Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program, Wyoming and Nebraska Apply for 09SF600051 Funding Number: 09SF600051 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Apply for USDA CSREES BFR 002115 Funding Number: USDA CSREES BFR 002115 Agency: CSREES Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2009 Iowa Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS IA 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA 09 01 Agency: USDA NRCS Iowa State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 2009 Washington State NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Announcement Apply for USDA NRCS WA 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS WA 09 01 Agency: Washington State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Farmers Market Promotion Program Apply for USDA AMS FMPP 2009 Funding Number: USDA AMS FMPP 2009 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| FY 2009 Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS ND 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ND 09 01 Agency: North Dakota State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grant opportunity Apply for NRCS PA 09 0001 Funding Number: NRCS PA 09 0001 Agency: Pennsylvania State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States (Targeted States Program) Apply for USDA RMA RME 2009 02 Funding Number: USDA RMA RME 2009 02 Agency: Risk Management Agency Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $562,000 |
| Commodity Partnerships for Small Agricultural Risk Managment Education Sessions Apply for USDA RMA RME 2009 03 Funding Number: USDA RMA RME 2009 03 Agency: Risk Management Agency Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Caribbean Area (State) Component FY 09 Apply for USDA NRCS PR 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PR 09 01 Agency: Florida State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grant Florida State Component Apply for USDA NRCS FL 09 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS FL 09 01 Agency: Florida State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| EMP Availability of Funds FY 2010 Apply for FAS OTP EMP 052909 Funding Number: FAS OTP EMP 052909 Agency: Unified Export Strategy Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FMD Availability of Funds for FY 2010 Apply for FAS OTP FMD 052909 Funding Number: FAS OTP FMD 052909 Agency: Unified Export Strategy Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $34,500,000 |
| MAP Availability of Funds For FY 2010 Apply for FAS OTP MAP 052909 Funding Number: FAS OTP MAP 052909 Agency: Unified Export Strategy Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000,000 |
| QSP Availability of Funds For FY 2010 Apply for FAS OTP QSP 052909 Funding Number: FAS OTP QSP 052909 Agency: Unified Export Strategy Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "AMS FV 08 0006", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.