USDA Awards $86.6 Million for Specialty Crop Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 13, 2026, that it will award $86.6 million in grants through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The funding will support 609 projects across 56 states and territories aimed at improving the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.

Specialty crops eligible for support include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural crops, and nursery crops.

“Today I am proud to announce USDA will be investing more than $86 million across 56 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These 609 state projects represent the Trump Administration’s commitment to innovation, marketing, and research — ensuring specialty crop businesses are at the forefront of markets all around the world,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “Putting farmers first will continue to drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of rural communities across America.”

How the Funding Will Be Used

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is administering the $86.6 million investment. States and territories will distribute funding through subawards for projects addressing needs across the specialty crop supply chain.

Projects may support:

• Food safety improvements
• Agricultural research
• Development of new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Pest and disease management
• Education about healthy eating
• Efforts to make specialty crops more accessible and affordable to bring to market

Funding Highlights by State

The USDA announcement highlighted projects in several states, including:

Michigan: More than $2.64 million for projects involving apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, Christmas trees, herbs, mushrooms, and grapes

Georgia: More than $1.7 million for two research projects, nine education and outreach projects, and two marketing projects supporting pecan, blueberry, pepper, strawberry, peach, apple, Vidalia onion, and citrus growers

Ohio: More than $800,000 for projects involving apples, leafy greens, brassicas, herbs, maple syrup, honey, and nuts

Pennsylvania: More than $1.1 million for research, education and outreach, and marketing related to mushrooms, potatoes, and apples

Texas: More than $2 million for projects involving grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions, and spinach

Florida: More than $4.3 million for research, education and outreach, and marketing involving mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn, and muscadine grapes

North Carolina: More than $1.5 million for projects involving sweet potatoes, fir trees, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, canary melons, and centipede grass seed

View Funded Projects

The complete list of funded projects is available through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program webpage.

More information about AMS grants is available at ams.usda.gov/grants.