1,000+ Opportunities

Find the right grant

Search federal, foundation, and corporate grants with AI — or browse by agency, topic, and state.

ActiveUSDA Agricultural Marketing Service (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - VDACS) · 2026

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Quick Facts

Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - VDACS)
Funding: No Limit - $100,000.00
Deadline: Check Source
Status: Active
Eligibility: Agricultural associations, industry and producer groups, community-based organizations, and academia that seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Virginia.

About This Grant

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is sponsored by USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - VDACS). This program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops.

Projects can include research, promotion and marketing plans, food safety projects, and initiatives that improve food access.

View Original RFP

Get a weekly digest of new grants like this

A free weekly digest of new foundation and federal funding opportunities as they're added to Granted. Unsubscribe anytime.

Or search similar grants →

Official Opportunity Details

Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.

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.

gov Visit the Domestic Marketing and Promotions directory. toggle=collapse data-target=#side-menu class=side-menu-header>MENU "

Eligibility Requirements

Agricultural associations, industry and producer groups, community-based organizations, and academia that seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Agricultural associations, industry and producer groups, community-based organizations, and academia that seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Virginia. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does Specialty Crop Block Grant Program offer?

The current listing shows no Limit - $100,000.00. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

Who funds Specialty Crop Block Grant Program?

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is funded by USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - VDACS). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

Which states are eligible for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program?

This opportunity targets applicants in Virginia. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.

How do I apply for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

Browse grants by state

Grants in Virginia

Funder Profile

Ready to start your proposal?

Granted drafts, reviews, and strengthens your grant application — saving weeks of work. Professional members win a grant in 12 months or get a full refund.

Browse More Grants

Backed by the Granted Guarantee

Similar Grants from Other Funders

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)

DiscoveredDeadline Passed

Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 3)

Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 3) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Establish and operate a center to provide technical support to small businesses in Region 3, including outreach, training, and assistance in competing for DOT-funded transportation contracts.

$452,420Deadline: Aug 30, 2026 (passed)

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (administered by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - VDACS) Grant Writing Tips

USDA Is Offering $140 Million in Agricultural Research Grants. Your Letter of Intent Is Due Thursday.

USDA NIFA's AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems program awards up to $10 million for integrated research, education, and extension projects. The letter of intent deadline is February 26, 2026.

Read article

USDA Just Posted a $30.6 Million HSI Grant Program While the Education Department's Is Frozen in Court

NIFA's Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program (USDA-NIFA-HSI-011903) posted September 10, 2026 with $30.6 million, 40 anticipated awards, and a December 3 deadline. It uses the same 25 percent enrollment definition the Justice Department has declined to defend at the Department of Education. Here is the structure, the three grant types, and the caps that decide who wins.

Read article

USDA's Higher Education Challenge Grants Have Three Award Tiers and One Deadline. Picking the Wrong Tier Is the Most Common Way to Lose.

NIFA's FY2026 Higher Education Challenge program closes October 15, 2026 with $5.7 million and roughly 18 awards. Standard grants cap at $150,000, Collaborative Type 1 at $300,000, and Collaborative Type 2 at $750,000 — all from the same pool, all scored against each other. No match is required. Here is how the tier structure actually determines your odds.

Read article