GetFundedUSA › Grants › Industry-Specific › Minnesota Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Minnesota Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Industry-Specific · Minnesota Department of Agriculture · MN
The Minnesota Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a state grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that funds projects, typically from producer groups and organizations, to strengthen Minnesota's fruit, vegetable, and nursery crop industries with awards between $25,000 and $125,000.
The Minnesota Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a state-administered grant funded through a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. It provides cash grants to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of Minnesota's specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nursery products.
Awards range from $25,000 to $125,000 per project. The program is designed primarily for producer groups, organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and Tribal or agricultural groups rather than individual for-profit businesses. Individual businesses may qualify, but only if their project demonstrates a significant benefit to the broader specialty crop industry in Minnesota, not just their own operation.
This is a grant, not a loan, meaning funds do not need to be repaid if used according to the terms of the award. For small business owners in specialty crop sectors, this program matters because it can fund projects like marketing initiatives, research, food safety improvements, or pest and disease management efforts that strengthen the industry as a whole, even if the direct applicant is often a group or organization rather than a single business.
The deadline is listed as 'check current rounds,' meaning application periods open periodically rather than on a fixed annual date. Because program details such as exact award amounts, eligibility nuances, and open application windows can change from year to year, applicants should confirm the latest information directly with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture before applying. This listing reflects information as of 2026 and should be verified at the official source.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant funded by cash awards, not a loan, so approved funds generally do not need to be repaid if used as intended.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No, this is a grant; repayment is not required when funds are used according to the award terms.
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofits, producer organizations, government agencies, universities, and Tribal or agricultural groups are the main eligible applicants; individual for-profit businesses qualify only if their project benefits the broader specialty crop industry.
Can an individual small business apply?
Only if the project significantly benefits the broader Minnesota specialty crop industry, not just the applicant's own business.
How much funding can I get?
Awards range from $25,000 to $125,000 per project.
What is the application deadline?
The listing says to check current rounds; confirm the exact deadline at the official source.
Who administers this program?
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture administers it in partnership with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
What kinds of projects does it fund?
Projects that enhance the competitiveness of Minnesota specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nursery products.
Is this program only for Minnesota residents or businesses?
Yes, it is a Minnesota state program limited to Minnesota specialty crop projects.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website at the official program page.
Is the grant money taxable?
Confirm at the source; tax treatment is not specified in the program details provided.
How often does this program open for applications?
The program operates in rounds; confirm current open rounds at the official source.
What industries does this grant target?
It targets the specialty crop industry, including fruit, vegetable, and nursery product producers.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Minnesota Department of Agriculture; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.