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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.

Yes, subawards and subcontracts by Minnesota SCBG grantees are allowable and have been a part of previously approved projects.

In your application, describe the services or activities that the external partner would provide and explain how these are needed to achieve the objectives or outcomes of the grant project. Fixed amount subawards are allowable if approved by us and then included and approved as part of our application to the USDA.

If approved by the USDA, your organization would also need to pass/enforce the AMS-USDA Grant Terms and Conditions (PDF) down to the industry partner in their sub-award contract or agreement.

No, neither hemp nor cannabis is considered an eligible specialty crop by the USDA, regardless of its ultimate use.