Illinois Specialty Crop Block Grant
Forecasted
The Illinois Specialty Crop Block Grant funds research and innovation projects that broadly advance Illinois' specialty crop industry, supporting science-based improvements in production, safety, and distribution.
Funder: Illinois Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per project; typical project period is January 2027–September 2029; no match required.
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Illinois through research, education, food safety, and industry-wide impact.
Key Information: All applicants must complete pre-registration steps (SAM.gov, GATA, Euna/Amplifund) before applying.
Description
The Illinois Specialty Crop Block Grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and funded by the USDA, is designed to strengthen the specialty crop sector in Illinois. The program supports projects that benefit the broader specialty crop industry—including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural, and nursery crops—by funding initiatives in areas such as food safety, research, technology, nutrition education, pest and disease control, pollinator health, distribution efficiency, and new crop development. The grant emphasizes projects that have a measurable, industry-wide impact, rather than those that benefit a single entity.
