Here are some common questions about the Produce Safety Mini-Grant.
As of early March 2025, federal funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant remains uncertain.
USDA typically releases their Request for Applications (RFA), which outlines the program parameters and due dates, in late January. In early March 2025, USDA staff indicated they don’t have any specific dates for releasing their RFA, but they would provide more information as they receive it. State agencies typically release their Request for Proposals (RFPs) before USDA releases their RFA so there's enough time to receive and review proposals, work with subrecipients, and put together a state plan for submission to USDA. Like many other state departments of agriculture, we released our RFP in anticipation of receiving the RFA and are awaiting further guidance from USDA.
Our organization Is trying to determine if it’s a good time to apply and we’re wondering about the longevity of this grant opportunity given federal funding uncertainties and changes in priorities. Is this program one that is safe from these threats?
As of early March 2025, federal funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant remains uncertain.
USDA typically releases their Request for Applications (RFA), which outlines the program parameters and due dates, in late January. In early March 2025, USDA staff indicated they don’t have any specific dates for releasing their RFA, but they would provide more information as they receive it. State agencies typically release their Request for Proposals (RFPs) before USDA releases their RFA so there's enough time to receive and review proposals, work with subrecipients, and put together a state plan for submission to USDA. Like many other state departments of agriculture, we released our RFP in anticipation of receiving the RFA and are awaiting further guidance from USDA.
During the state level review, applications will be scored based on the criteria in the Project Evaluation Profile in the MDA’s RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions. Following the state level review, selected project proposals are submitted to USDA as part of our state plan.
As of early March 2025, USDA staff indicated they don’t have any specific dates for releasing their Request for Applications (RFA). Without an RFA to outline program priorities, it remains unclear how recent executive actions will impact the priorities and goals of the SCBG program. While we cannot provide specific advice on how to answer the application questions, it's always advisable to consider current events when preparing your grant application.
Recent executive actions ban the use of certain terms on federal government websites; does this also mean applications using terms like "climate change/resiliency," "emerging farmer," or "historically underserved" risk not being approved?
During the state level review, applications will be scored based on the criteria in the Project Evaluation Profile in the MDA’s RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions. Following the state level review, selected project proposals are submitted to USDA as part of our state plan.
As of early March 2025, USDA staff indicated they don’t have any specific dates for releasing their Request for Applications (RFA). Without an RFA to outline program priorities, it remains unclear how recent executive actions will impact the priorities and goals of the SCBG program. While we cannot provide specific advice on how to answer the application questions, it's always advisable to consider current events when preparing your grant application.
There is no matching requirement for the SCBG grant, so there is no place on the application to provide that information. No additional priority is given to applications that include a cost share.
However, if you would like to explain that you are covering additional costs that are necessary for the completion of your project but are not part of your SCBG budget, you may describe that in the narrative budget justifications. For example, you could explain in your personnel justification that SCBG funds will cover part of a graduate student’s time, but the remainder of their time will be covered by other funding sources.
We will be covering some costs for the project in addition to the funds provided by the SCBG program. Is there a place where I can indicate this cost share?
There is no matching requirement for the SCBG grant, so there is no place on the application to provide that information. No additional priority is given to applications that include a cost share.
However, if you would like to explain that you are covering additional costs that are necessary for the completion of your project but are not part of your SCBG budget, you may describe that in the narrative budget justifications. For example, you could explain in your personnel justification that SCBG funds will cover part of a graduate student’s time, but the remainder of their time will be covered by other funding sources.
A wash station may be considered an eligible expense if it is portable. Permanent fixtures are not eligible for reimbursement under this grant.
Is a sink/produce wash station an example of an eligible expense?
A wash station may be considered an eligible expense if it is portable. Permanent fixtures are not eligible for reimbursement under this grant.
No, stainless steel tables and shelving are not eligible expenses under the current mini grant.
