In general, beekeeping projects and projects to enhance the competitiveness of honey are eligible under the SCBGP because of the role bees play in sustaining specialty crop health through pollination, and beekeeping is considered horticulture. Other bee products may be eligible depending on how they will be used or the purpose of the project. Bee products that are used for food or medicine are eligible. Research projects on pollination or education projects to enhance local beekeeping strategies are eligible.
No, neither hemp nor cannabis is considered an eligible specialty crop by the USDA, regardless of its ultimate use.
No, neither hemp nor cannabis is considered an eligible specialty crop by the USDA, regardless of its ultimate use.
An eligible proposal needs to demonstrate that:
- The project will result in a significant benefit to the specialty crop industry for crops that are or will be grown in Minnesota (or a segment of the industry—potatoes, for example).
- The project has external support from specialty crop stakeholders; stakeholders include specialty crop growers, grower-level groups, processors, or distributors. The proposal needs to list the farmer(s) or organization(s) and describe the reasons they would like you to conduct this project.
- The project should positively affect and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry or the public.
- The proposed project will not solely benefit a particular commercial product; provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual; or result in unfair competition with private companies that provide equivalent products or services (for example, increase one co-op’s sales of specialty crops at the expense of another co-op).
Yes, as long as the project demonstrates clear benefit to the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. We know, for example, that some specialty crop growers produce and market specialty and non-specialty crops through the same channels or that research on some production methods may be applied to both specialty and non-specialty crops.
In general, beekeeping projects and projects to enhance the competitiveness of honey are eligible under the SCBGP because of the role bees play in sustaining specialty crop health through pollination, and beekeeping is considered horticulture. Other bee products may be eligible depending on how they will be used or the purpose of the project. Bee products that are used for food or medicine are eligible. Research projects on pollination or education projects to enhance local beekeeping strategies are eligible.
No, neither hemp nor cannabis is considered an eligible specialty crop by the USDA, regardless of its ultimate use.
Yes, subawards and subcontracts by SCBG grantees are allowable and have been a part of previously approved projects.
Yes, subawards and subcontracts by SCBG grantees are allowable and have been a part of previously approved projects.
In the “Contractual/consultant” budget section of the application, you are asked to list the contractors’ names, hourly/flat rates, and total costs, as well as a justification for why contractual/consultant services are being used to meet the anticipated outcomes and objectives of your project.
Contractors' hourly rates may not exceed the salary of a GS-15 step 10 federal employee in your area. If contractor employee and consultant hourly rates of pay will exceed that rate, you need to provide a justification for the expenses. Note that we do not allow indirect costs for contractors and consultants.
When selecting your contractors/consultants, your organization needs to follow the same policies and procedures used for procurements from non-federal sources, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations and conform to the applicable federal laws and standards identified in 2 CFR Part 200.317 through 200.326.
You should be aware that if you are awarded a grant, your organization will need to pass down and enforce the requirements of the AMS 2024 General Terms and Conditions Updated (PDF) with any subawardees or contractors/consultants in their subaward or subcontract agreements.
In the “Contractual/consultant” budget section of the application, you are asked to list the contractors’ names, hourly/flat rates, and total costs, as well as a justification for why contractual/consultant services are being used to meet the anticipated outcomes and objectives of your project.
Contractors' hourly rates may not exceed the salary of a GS-15 step 10 federal employee in your area. If contractor employee and consultant hourly rates of pay will exceed that rate, you need to provide a justification for the expenses. Note that we do not allow indirect costs for contractors and consultants.
When selecting your contractors/consultants, your organization needs to follow the same policies and procedures used for procurements from non-federal sources, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations and conform to the applicable federal laws and standards identified in 2 CFR Part 200.317 through 200.326.
You should be aware that if you are awarded a grant, your organization will need to pass down and enforce the requirements of the AMS 2024 General Terms and Conditions Updated (PDF) with any subawardees or contractors/consultants in their subaward or subcontract agreements.
Yes, under the Procurement Standards section of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR Part 200.317 to 200.326), grant recipients must have documented policies and processes for purchasing goods and services with federal (SCBG) funding. Additionally, your organization must follow the same policies and procedures for procurements from non-federal sources.
As an example, see the State of Minnesota’s bidding requirements for non-governmental organization grantees. These should conform to most Federal laws and standards for most non-university or government grantee organizations for most typical SCBG grant purchases.
Yes, under the Procurement Standards section of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR Part 200.317 to 200.326), grant recipients must have documented policies and processes for purchasing goods and services with federal (SCBG) funding. Additionally, your organization must follow the same policies and procedures for procurements from non-federal sources.
As an example, see the State of Minnesota’s bidding requirements for non-governmental organization grantees. These should conform to most Federal laws and standards for most non-university or government grantee organizations for most typical SCBG grant purchases.
