Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program supports partners across states in projects addressing shared research, food safety, pest, disease, and marketing challenges to strengthen specialty crop growers.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 (Partners to participating states) | December 4, 2026 (States and direct applicants to AMS)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$1 million per project, for up to three years; approximately $14.3 million available in FY 2026
Summary: Funds multi-state projects that strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops by addressing regional or national issues.
Key Information: Applying through South Carolina requires a substantively involved project partner located in the state.
Description
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) competitively funds collaborative projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in U.S. states or territories. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) receives applications from partners applying through South Carolina and submits completed applications to USDA.
Projects must address issues extending beyond one state and benefit specialty crop growers in at least two states or territories. Supported areas include food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific issues shared across regions, and marketing and promotion. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural crops, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Projects must produce measurable benefits for the specialty crop industry or public, rather than solely benefiting one organization or individual.
