The USDA AMS defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops. See: http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp for more information.

Projects that demonstrate innovative partnerships are encouraged. Applications that build on a previously funded SCBGP project may be submitted; in such cases, the application should clearly indicate how the project complements previous work. Applications for grant funds should show how the project impacts multiple businesses in the specialty crop supply chain and/or produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry, rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. 

The Alaska Division of Agriculture, in partnership with statewide specialty crop stakeholders, will identify the following program funding priorities for 2023. Funding priorities are listed in no particular order of importance and are not ranked.

• Enhancing food safety;
• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (21 U.S.C. Chapter 27); for example, developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems (including USDA GroupGAP) for small farmers, packers, and processors;
• Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
• Pest and disease control;
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; and
• Sustainability.