Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds state-led research and education projects to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Funder: Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: June 8, 2026 (Federal application deadline) | May 13, 2026 (Indiana) | plus state-specific deadlines from Dec 19, 2025–Sept 11, 2026 (see Due Dates section)
Funding Amounts: ~$86.6 million total for FY26; state allocations range from ~$288k to ~$29M; project period up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports state-led projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and horticulture—through marketing, research, and education initiatives.
Key Information: State departments of agriculture apply to USDA; researchers/organizations must apply through their state’s process.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) provides federal funding to state departments of agriculture to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). States distribute funding through competitive subawards for projects focused on marketing, research, education, food safety, pest and disease management, sustainability, and more.
Researchers, academic institutions, non-profits, and other entities interested in SCBGP support must apply through their respective state's department of agriculture, which sets its own deadlines and proposal processes. Projects must benefit the broader specialty crop industry or public, not a single organization.
