Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports Washington specialty crop producers and processors through research, education, and market development to strengthen competitiveness and increase demand.
Funder: Washington State Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: November 2, 2026 (Phase I concept) | February 5, 2027 (Phase II full proposal, invitation only)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$250,000 per project for up to three years; approximately $4.7 million anticipated overall
Summary: Supports research, demonstration, education, and market-development projects that enhance competitiveness and demand for Washington specialty crops.
Key Information: Projects must directly benefit Washington specialty crop producers or processors, not a single commercial interest.
Description
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers this competitive, USDA-funded program to enhance the competitiveness and increase demand for Washington specialty crops. Eligible crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Supported work includes applied research, practical demonstrations, training, education, and market development whose benefits extend across the specialty crop industry.
Research may address pests, plant diseases, production technologies, or food safety. Other projects may improve domestic, international, local, or regional markets. Examples include demonstrating organic small-fruit production with University Extension outreach and researching the feasibility of growing a specialty crop in a particular area, with findings shared among growers. Projects must have defined beginnings, endings, and objectives rather than fund routine business operations.
