Specialty Crop Research Initiative
This grant funds research and extension projects that tackle major challenges faced by the specialty crop industry, supporting both conventional and organic production across multiple states.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: June 15, 2026: Pre-application deadline
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$10,000,000 per award; estimated total program funding $175,000,000; project periods up to 5 years
Summary: Supports integrated research and extension projects that address critical challenges facing the specialty crop industry on a national, regional, or multi-state scale.
Key Information: Dollar-for-dollar matching required unless waived for certain projects; pre-application is mandatory.
Description
This program funds projects that address the most pressing needs of the U.S. specialty crop industries—including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops—through integrated research and extension activities. The initiative emphasizes systems-based, transdisciplinary approaches to solve complex challenges in production, processing, distribution, and marketing, as well as to enhance human health and nutrition. Projects may focus on plant breeding, pest and disease management, production efficiency, technological innovation (including automation and AI), food safety, and workforce development. Proposals must demonstrate stakeholder engagement and the potential for significant impact across the specialty crop sector.
