2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Forecasted
2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports New Jersey specialty crop organizations with research, marketing, food safety, and access projects to strengthen crop competitiveness.
Funder: New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 per project under the 2026 program; FY2027 subawards require 25% non-federal cost share
Summary: Supports research, marketing, food safety, and access projects that strengthen the competitiveness of New Jersey specialty crops.
Key Information: Projects must produce measurable industry or public benefits, not solely benefit one organization, institution, or individual.
Description
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) administers this program with funding from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). It supports projects that enhance New Jersey specialty crops’ competitiveness in domestic or foreign markets through marketing and promotion, producer research and development, expanded availability and access, and solutions to local, regional, or national producer challenges.
Priorities include food safety and Food Safety Modernization Act compliance, conservation and environmental research, new seed varieties and crops, pest and disease control, and sustainability. Projects may also increase children’s and adults’ nutrition knowledge and specialty crop consumption, or improve distribution efficiency and reduce costs. The program emphasizes measurable benefits for the specialty crop industry or the public rather than benefits confined to a single entity.
