The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today that it will accept applications for Specialty Crop Block Grants until 5 p.m. ET Thursday, February 5, 2026. MDARD encourages prospective applicants to attend an informational webinar on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
“Specialty crops like apples, cherries and blueberries are the backbone of Michigan’s diverse agricultural economy,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD continues to advocate strongly for high and consistent federal funding for specialty crop production and research and to urge Michigan farmers to pursue these critical grant opportunities.”
In testimony before the U.S. House of Representativesand the U.S. Senateearlier this year, Director Boring urged Congress to sustain support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program provides annual funding to states and territories to enhance the competitiveness of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
MDARD leverages USDA funds to award Specialty Crop Block Grants to eligible Michigan entities annually through a competitive process. Such entities may apply for maximum awards of $125,000 for research, marketing, training and education proposals. The program’s funding priorities are:
- Market enhancement to promote specialty crops
- Market expansion, availability and access to specialty crops
- Farm to institution
- Nutritional education
Source : michigan.gov