Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026
This USDA grant funds collaborative projects between multiple states or territories to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, marketing, food safety, and pest management initiatives.
Funder: Agricultural Marketing Service
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 (Multi-State Partners to Participating States) | December 4, 2026 (Participating States and entities in Nonparticipating States to AMS)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$1,000,000 per award; ~$14.3 million total funding; project period up to 3 years
Summary: Supports collaborative, multi-state projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, marketing, food safety, and related activities.
Key Information: 25% non-federal cost share required; project must benefit at least two states or territories.
Description
This program, administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, funds collaborative projects that address regional or national challenges facing specialty crops. Projects must involve partners from at least two U.S. states or territories and may focus on issues such as food safety, plant pests and disease, crop-specific research, or marketing and promotion. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-grown specialty crops in domestic and international markets through measurable outcomes that benefit the broader industry.
