Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports Vermont specialty crop businesses and organizations through technical assistance, training, and tools to strengthen crop competitiveness and local food systems.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY2026: $15,000–$35,000 per project for up to 2 years, 6 months; 1–4 awards expected
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen Vermont specialty crop competitiveness through technical assistance, training, and tool development.
Key Information: Applicants must be equipped to support specialty crop producers or processors in Vermont.
Description
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) administers the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program using USDA Agricultural Marketing Service funding. The program enhances the competitiveness of Vermont and regionally grown specialty crops through marketing and promotion, research and development, expanded availability and access, and responses to producer challenges. Its broader goal is to strengthen local and regional food systems.
For FY2026, projects must support specialty crop businesses and organizations through direct technical assistance, training, or tool development. Activities can include consulting and planning services, coordination that expands technical assistance, in-person workshops, online learning materials, and resources such as market portals, templates, calculators, and dashboards. Priorities span production practices, pest management, food safety, value chains, business viability, market access, and producer collaboration.
