Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Get funding for marketing, promotion, research, food safety, and pest control of specialty crops in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is a participating state in the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service's funded Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). LDAF accepts applications for Louisiana grant project proposals to be included in Louisiana’s annual State Plan.
The purpose of the SCBGP is to award funds to projects which enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty Crops are broadly defined as fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, horticulture products, and nursery crops including floriculture. Lists of eligible and ineligible crops may be found on the USDA-AMS website.
The goal of the SCBGP is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by—
Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops
Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops
Expanding availability and access to specialty crops
Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
Options
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Application resources
USDA Forms
The forms in this section will direct you away from ldaf.la.gov.
Grantee Self-Assessment of Internal Control and Risks Document
Reminder that this template needs to be downloaded and opened from your computer, rather than from the web browser. Watch this tutorial for assistance.
Calendar and deadlines 2025
Proposals
Request for proposals release date | March 20, 2026 |
Request for proposals deadline | April 30, 2026- No later 4:30 CST |
Selection process
Panel review process | May 2026 |
Project selections announced | May 2026 |
LDAF submits State Plan to USDA | May 2026 |
USDA review of State Plan | May- July 2026 |
Award
USDA State Plan approval and agreement signed | August 2026 |
LDAF contracts signed with sub-grantees | September-October 2026 |
Reporting
See RFA for complete list of reporting requirements
2025
Reducing Microbial Loads and Maintaining the Quality of Blueberries Through Combined Airborne Ultrasonic and Freezing Technology
“Ask for Louisiana Strawberries” Influencer Marketing Campaign
Establishment of a Model Agritourism Setup at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center
Addressing Fresh Produce Safety Concerns with Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Water
Improving Disease Detection, Forecasting, and Developing the Best Management Practices to Mitigate Neo-Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fruit and Crown Disease of Strawberry
Evaluation of Ginger Family Cultivars for Louisiana Horticulture Growers and Nurseries
2024
Assisting Louisiana Specialty Crop Producers to comply with Federal and Market Driven Food Safety Requirements
Hustle & Grow Youth Education Program: Promoting Urban Farming and Increased Access to Specialty Crops at Baton Roots Community Farm
Apprentice Project for Growing Beekeepers and Honey Producers in Louisiana
Starch Properties and Their Association with French Fry Texture for Louisiana Grown Sweet Potatoes
Leveraging University Outreach, Community Resources, and Youth Programs to Promote Education and Production of Watermelons and Potatoes
2023
Tea Terroir: Tailored Soil Fertility and Microclimate Management for High Quality Louisiana-Grown Tea
Evaluation of the Effects of Raw Poultry and Cattle Manure Application in the Production of Bell Pepper and Radish Crops with Two Different Land Application Methods on Productive Indicators, Soil Health, Fertility, and Food Safety Indicators
Examine the Application of Organic Friendly Antimicrobial Agents Such as Propionic and Lactic Acid Against Microbial Risks on Specialty Crops
Cold Plasma Reduction of Microbial Loads and Maintenance of Fresh Produce Quality Retention
Development of Sustainable Nanoparticle Coating Materials to Reduce Sweetpotato Postharvest Deterioration and Maintain Market Quality
2022
Apprenticeship Project for Growing New Beekeepers in Louisiana
Application of combined MAP with UV-C to Reduce Microbial Loads and Extend Strawberries’ Shelf Life
Promoting Louisiana-grown Pecans – Phase 2
Developing Practices to Minimize the Food Safety Risk Associated with Cryptosporidium on Specialty Crops
Biopolymer-based Active Coatings Combined with Rosemary Extract to enhance Produce Safety
Best Practices to Reduce Heavy Metals in Louisiana Sweetpotatoes for Increased Competitiveness and Food Safety
2021
Introduction of Youth and Producers to Sustainable Watermelon Farming Utilizing Local Agricultural Byproducts
Expanding Hustle and Grow Youth Education Program: Promoting Urban Farming and Increased Access to Specialty Crops in Additional Schools
Develop and Validate a Low-Cost Produce Washing Setup for Small and Medium Scale Growers
Intensive Protected Structure Production and Fruit Quality Evaluation of Southern Highbush Blueberries and Primocane Blackberries and Raspberries
Documenting the Impact of 2, 4-D Choline and Gluosinate on Sweetpotato Growth and Yield as Influenced by Reduced Rate and Growth State
Louisiana Strawberry Industry Consumer Awareness Program
Promoting Louisiana-grown Pecans
2021 H.R. 133 Stimulus
Advertising Campaign to Increase Louisiana Specialty Crop Sales and Improve Consumer shopping behaviors affected by Pandemic-Related Conditions
2020
Enhancing Food Safety Awareness and Market Opportunity of Specialty Crop Producers through Good Agricultural Practices
Water Testing Management to Help Specialty Crop Growers to Meet Federal and Market-driven Requirements
Louisiana Container-Grown Citrus Best Management Practices to Support an Industry
Soil Health Benefits of Nonfumigant Nematicides in Sweet Potato Production in Louisiana
Evaluation of Organic-based Fertilizers and Herbicides for Louisiana Lawns
Develop an Effective Management Program for Fireblight and Rust Diseases in Mayhaw Production
Assess the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Properties of Turmeric Extract-loaded Nano-emulsion in reducing Pathogen Loads
Evaluation of Plant-based Antimicrobial Formulation on Control of Damping-off and Other Diseases in Vegetable Seedlings
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