The funding priorities are of equal importance. Using the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP, points will be awarded to projects according to how well the application addresses at least one of the funding priorities.

Are the funding priorities listed in the RFP of equal importance or does the order in which they appear indicate their relative priority?

The funding priorities are of equal importance. Using the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP, points will be awarded to projects according to how well the application addresses at least one of the funding priorities.

No

The Evaluation Criteria section of the RFP includes scoring for industry support by external stakeholders. There is merit in both kinds of letters of support. Ultimately, a letter that tells a more compelling story about the impact/value of your project will make a bigger difference in the scoring process, no matter the author.

Do letters of support from large groups of growers carry more weight than letters from individual growers?

The Evaluation Criteria section of the RFP includes scoring for industry support by external stakeholders. There is merit in both kinds of letters of support. Ultimately, a letter that tells a more compelling story about the impact/value of your project will make a bigger difference in the scoring process, no matter the author.

No

There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of a specialty crop block grant as long as the grant fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to two additional points during the scoring process. Projects that benefit Emerging Farmers, including Native American producers, immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and women, can receive up to five additional points.

Is there a specific audience that should be served by an SCBG grant, or is it advantageous from a scoring perspective to target a particular audience?

There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of a specialty crop block grant as long as the grant fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to two additional points during the scoring process. Projects that benefit Emerging Farmers, including Native American producers, immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and women, can receive up to five additional points.

No

The funding priorities are of equal importance. Using the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP, points will be awarded to projects according to how well the application addresses at least one of the funding priorities.

There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of an SCBGP project as long as the project fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to five additional points during the scoring process. We encourage you to review the Evaluation Profile to understand how applications will be scored.

Eligible costs

Yes, as long as the project involves and primarily benefits growers/producers that reside in Minnesota and will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Minnesota. Whether inside or outside of Minnesota, any entities that are involved in a grant-funded project must be able to account for the grant-related work separately from their other activities.

Can any of the grant-funded work be performed in facilities outside of Minnesota, such as an out-of-state processing facility or lab? Can project-related events be held outside of Minnesota?

Yes, as long as the project involves and primarily benefits growers/producers that reside in Minnesota and will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Minnesota. Whether inside or outside of Minnesota, any entities that are involved in a grant-funded project must be able to account for the grant-related work separately from their other activities.

No