Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant
Forecasted
The Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture funds research and innovation to boost the sustainability and competitiveness of specialty crops in Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Phase I: Full Proposal) | March 2027 (Phase II: Final Grant Proposal)
Funding Amounts: ~$1,000,000 total available; typical awards ~$62,000–$74,000; project duration up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and market success of specialty crops in Pennsylvania.
Key Information: This is a two-phase, competitive grant with reimbursement funding; only projects benefiting the broader specialty crop industry are eligible.
Description
The Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, funds projects that improve the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and flowers. The grant is designed to foster innovation in specialty crop production, improve distribution systems, support research and sustainability efforts, and increase public awareness and consumption of these crops. Projects must benefit the broader specialty crop industry, not just a single organization or commercial product, and should promote best practices in agriculture and food safety, pest and disease control, and the development of new crop varieties.
