Specialty Crop Block Grants
Forecasted
Specialty Crop Block Grants support Wisconsin specialty crop industries through research, education, and market development projects that strengthen their competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$100,000 per project (2026 grant cycle)
Summary: Grants support projects that enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin-grown specialty crops.
Key Information: Projects must benefit the specialty crop industry, not solely one organization, business, or individual.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant funds through a competitive process. The program supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin’s specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets. Selected projects are included in Wisconsin’s state plan for USDA approval.
The 2026 solicitation prioritized food safety, specialty crop research, new seed varieties and crops, pest and disease control, nutrition and consumption, distribution efficiency, and sustainability. Eligible specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Projects may involve research, education, or market development, but must produce benefits beyond a single applicant.
