USDA Announces $275M in Specialty Crop Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $275 million in fiscal year 2026 funding for specialty crop producers through multiple grant programs. The funding was announced in Michigan by Secretary Brooke Rollins alongside U.S. Representative Tom Barrett.

The funding will be distributed through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP). The increase is tied to the Working Families Tax Cuts, which raised SCRI funding to $175 million per year and increased SCBGP and SCMP funding to $100 million annually starting in FY2026.

“The Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American agriculture, including boosting support for America’s specialty crop producers. At a time when more Americans are demanding whole, nutritious foods aligned with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, at USDA we are ensuring the farmers who grow these foods have the tools necessary to continue their operations,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “It’s thanks to members of Congress like Tom Barrett that Michigan specialty crop producers and those around the country will be able to use these boosted investments.”

“I was proud to deliver tax relief and real investments for Michigan agriculture in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including in research, education and marketing for our state’s many specialty crops,” said Congressman Tom Barrett. “I’m grateful to Secretary Rollins for launching the next round of funding here in Michigan, where our farmers produce more than 300 agricultural commodities, and our scientists lead the way in agricultural research. These investments will ensure Michigan farms stay on the cutting edge as they grow crops to feed America and the world.”

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture will implement SCRI, including a new set-aside for mechanization and automation research. The Agricultural Marketing Service will administer SCBGP and SCMP, which support marketing, education and research projects. USDA also noted a separate $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program announced earlier this year.

Key Details for Farmers

• More than $275 million in FY2026 funding is available for specialty crop programs
• SCRI funding increases to $175 million per year, more than double previous levels
• SCBGP and SCMP funding increases to $100 million annually starting in FY2026
• At least $20 million in SCRI funding is set aside for mechanization and automation research
• SCBGP funding is distributed to states based on acreage and production value
• SCMP funding is awarded competitively to eligible organizations
• USDA previously announced $1 billion in additional support through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program