Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports state agriculture departments and specialty crop project partners, funding research, production, food safety, and sustainability work to improve crop competitiveness.
Funder: Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (State applications to AMS)
Funding Amounts: No federal cost-sharing or matching requirement
Summary: Supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through state departments of agriculture.
Key Information: Individuals and other non-federal entities must apply through their appropriate state department of agriculture, not directly to AMS.
Description
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. These crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Funding operates through state departments of agriculture, which provide the application channel for individuals and other non-federal entities proposing specialty crop projects.
The program’s outcomes framework encompasses consumer purchasing, production and distribution, food safety, pest and disease control, new varieties, research and development, and environmental sustainability. Its performance measures help recipients evaluate project activities and document results related to specialty crop competitiveness, including research outputs, adoption of new practices and technologies, and improvements in market access.
