Specialty Crop Block Grant

Posted by Alaska Division of Agriculture

Type: Funding
Application Deadline: May 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) distributes block grant funds annually, which are administered by State departments/ divisions of agriculture. The purpose of this program is to carry out projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by:

1. Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;
2. Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;
3. Expanding availability and access to specialty crops;
4. Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers; and
5. For such other purposes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop stakeholders and relevant State departments of agriculture.

Through a competitive application process, the Division will award sub- grantee projects that meet the requirements and objectives of this grant program.

Potential grant recipients might include a group of professional producers, universities, extension services, soil and water conservation districts, or schools working in cooperation with a business or non- profit. The maximum award amount for this grant is $60,000. The grant performance period for this grant is up to 3 years.

Please review all program updates and eligibility guidelines for 2026.