Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). This program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers this program through a competitive grant process.

Specialty Crop Grant Program | VDACS CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL FOOD, FOOD SAFETY & CONSUMER PROTECTION INSPECTION & GRADING SERVICES MARKETING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Agriculture & Forestry Development Domestic Marketing & Promotions PLANT, PEST, FEED, FERTILIZER & SEED SPECIALTY CROP GRANT PROGRAM | Virginia Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Status | 2026 Applications are now closed For general questions, please email melissa.

ball@vdacs. virginia. gov .

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers this program through a competitive grant process , allowing organizations throughout Virginia to apply for funding that supports the specialty crop initiative. How the Grant Process Works For the 2026 round of funding, VDACS will be hosting a two-phase application process. Project Leads must submit a pre-application (due February 6, 2026).

VDACS accepts grant pre-applications for specialty crop projects that enhance the competitiveness in Virginia. All proposals are reviewed and evaluated by VDACS based on the criteria outlined in the application. The review panel will select projects to complete a full application.

All selected projects will be compiled into the Virginia State Plan and submitted to USDA. USDA reviews and approves the final grant award. Disbursement of awards are made to the applicant (sub-grantee) after the grant award is made to VDACS.

(Anticipated October 1, 2026). All deadlines and funding are contingent upon the final U.S. Farm Bill and Notice of Funds Availability from USDA's Agriculture Marketing Services. December 31, 2025 – Announce grant opportunity January 13, 2026, | 10 a.

m. – Interested Party Webinar February 6, 2026, | 5 p. m.

– Pre-proposal submission deadline February 2026 – Evaluation and Review March 2026 – VDACS submits grant submission to USDA September 2026 – VDACS announces awards Specialty Crop Grant Details Explore additional information about the Specialty Crop Competitive Grant Program. All applications will be submitted through the VDACS WebGrants System. Applicants must submit a completed Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) W-9 Form.

Federal W-9 forms are not accepted. Step 1: Register for a VDACS WebGrants Account – Status | Closed Create a VDACS WebGrants account before applying. Read step-by-step instructions on Registering with the WebGrants System Step 1: Register for a VDACS WebGrants Account Create a VDACS WebGrants account before applying.

Read step-by-step instructions on Registering with the WebGrants System Read step-by-step instructions on submitting an application Applications are accepted from: Agricultural associations Industry and producer groups Community-based organizations Applicants must seek to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in Virginia.

Applications should describe how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Allowable and Unallowable Costs Applicants must follow USDA and VDACS cost guidelines.

Allowable & Unallowable Costs (PDF) Specialty Crop Definition Under federal law, specialty crops include: Horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture Learn more about Specialty Crops The USDA funds Specialty Crop projects across the nation. View previously funded projects at SCBGP Awarded Grants .

Current Application Resources Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire (docx) Project Profile Template (PDF) melissa. ball@vdacs. virginia.

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