SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Application Process

Now accepting Concept Proposals for the FY2026 funding year. You can download the Funding Year 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) [PDF] to learn about program requirements and eligibility. 
 
Note: The FY2026 competitive process is for projects that will have a performance period beginning no earlier than 9/30/26 and ending no later than 9/29/29.

A two-phase competitive process will take place to award an estimated $3.9 million dollars.

1. Phase I, Concept Proposal: Applicants must apply online following the instructions and requirements outlined in the RFP. The deadline to submit a Concept Proposal for 2026 funding is 12:00 p.m. (PST) on October 15, 2025. Late submittals will NOT be accepted.
2. Phase II, Grant Proposal: Successful Phase I applicants will be invited to submit a Full Grant Proposal.

Timeline
Phase I Concept Proposal (Subject to change)

August 22, 2025	Request for Proposals released
October 15, 2025	Concept Proposals due, 12:00pm PST
November 24, 2025	Notification and feedback to applicants

Phase II Full Proposal (Only by invitation, subject to change)

November 25, 2025	Request for Proposals released
February 5, 2026	Grant Proposals due, 12:00pm PST
March 13, 2026	Notification and feedback to applicants
May 1, 2026	WSDA Application due to USDA

 

Eligible Organizations

Eligible organizations include:

• industry associations
• producer groups
• commodity commissions
• non-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• local, state, and federal government entities
• educational institutions

Projects cannot benefit a single commercial product. Projects cannot provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete with private companies. 

Definition of a Specialty Crop

A specialty crop is:

• fruits and vegetables
• tree nuts
• dried fruits
• horticulture
• nursery crops (including floriculture)

Eligible specialty crop plants are cultivated for food, medicinal purposes, or beautification. Processed goods should consist of more than 50% of the specialty crop by weight.
 
For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, see Definition of Specialty Crop.

Acceptable Projects

• A non-profit requests funds to show the viability of organic small fruit production. They partner with University Extension to promote the working model to other regional growers.
• A state requests funding to contract with a university to conduct research on the feasibility of planting, cultivating, and growing a specialty crop in a specific area, the results of which will be shared with growers throughout the state

Unacceptable Projects

• A company requests funds to buy starter plants or equipment to grow specialty crops to make a profit or to expand production for single organization.
• A single specialty crop organization requests funds to promote themselves to increase membership.

Authority and Program Purpose

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program- Farm Bill is authorized by section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) of Public Law 108-465; amended under section 10107 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-343, and implemented under 7 CFR part 1291 (published March 27, 2009; 74 FR 13313).
 

The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.