New grant funding supports research marketing and crop innovation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $86.6 million in funding for specialty crop projects across the United States. The investment is being made through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), which supports projects designed to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops and strengthen opportunities for growers.
The funding will support approximately 609 projects in 56 states and territories. These projects focus on helping producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural products, and nursery crops. The grants are administered through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
“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,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.
She added, “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. Putting farmers first will continue to drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of rural communities across America.”
A major goal of the program is to help specialty crop producers improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Many funded projects will focus on food safety initiatives, research programs, and educational outreach efforts. Other projects will work to improve market access and strengthen supply chains for specialty crops.
The grants will also support the development of new and improved crop varieties. Research projects are expected to help growers address challenges such as pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions. Enhanced crop varieties can improve yields, quality, and resilience while helping producers remain competitive.
Several states will receive funding for projects focused on local agricultural priorities.
In Michigan, more than $2.64 million will support specialty crops including apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, grapes, mushrooms, herbs, and Christmas trees. The projects aim to strengthen the state's specialty crop sector and improve market opportunities for growers.
Georgia will receive more than $1.7 million for research, education, outreach, and marketing projects. The funding will support growers of pecans, blueberries, peppers, strawberries, peaches, apples, Vidalia onions, and citrus crops.
Ohio will use more than $800,000 to support projects involving apples, leafy greens, herbs, brassicas, maple syrup, honey, and nuts. These efforts are intended to improve competitiveness and encourage industry growth.
Pennsylvania will receive over $1.1 million for research, education, outreach, and marketing programs focused on mushrooms, potatoes, and apples. The projects will help improve production practices and expand market opportunities.
Texas will invest more than $2 million in projects supporting grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions, and spinach. These initiatives will focus on boosting competitiveness and strengthening the state's specialty crop industry.
Florida will receive more than $4.3 million, one of the larger state allocations announced under the program. The funding will support research, marketing, education, and outreach activities related to mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn, and muscadine grapes.
North Carolina will use more than $1.5 million to support crops including sweet potatoes, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, canary melons, fir trees, and centipede grass seeds. The projects are designed to improve production, marketing, and business opportunities for growers.
Beyond individual state projects, the program aims to benefit businesses across the specialty crop supply chain. Funding will help researchers, educators, marketers, processors, and growers work together to strengthen agricultural systems and improve consumer access to fresh and healthy foods.
USDA officials say the investment supports long-term growth by funding practical solutions that address real-world challenges faced by specialty crop producers. The projects are expected to encourage innovation, improve food safety, support new technologies, and help producers meet changing consumer demands.
As specialty crops continue to play an important role in American agriculture, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program remains a key tool for supporting growers, improving market opportunities, and strengthening the agricultural economy across the country.
Photo Credit: usda