Specialty Crop Block Grant Program - Farm Bill 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is soliciting applications for the fiscal year 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This program aims to award grants to eligible State departments of agriculture to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Projects can focus on marketing and promotion, research and development, expanding availability and access, and addressing challenges within the specialty crop industry. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. The total estimated program funding is $86,600,000. The grant period is three years, starting September 30, 2026, and ending September 29, 2029. Each eligible State department of agriculture can receive an estimated base grant of approximately $288,736.67, with additional amounts based on specialty crop cash receipts and acreage within the state.