Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Forecasted
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports Virginia specialty crop projects in research, marketing, food safety, and food access to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and benefit the public.
Funder: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Pre-application) | March 2027 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per project in the 2026 round; grants of up to two years
Summary: Supports projects that measurably improve the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops for the industry or public.
Key Information: Individual producers cannot apply, and projects cannot benefit only one organization or individual.
Description
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service funds the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers through a competitive process. It supports projects that improve the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops: fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
Projects may involve research, promotion and marketing, food safety, or improved food access. They should produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry or the public rather than solely benefiting one organization, institution, or individual. VDACS selects projects for Virginia’s state plan, which USDA reviews and approves.
