Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) and is part of a broader national effort established under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops across the United States. This funding authority builds on previous legislation, including the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004, and has been renewed through subsequent acts such as the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. It is federally funded but operated at the state level, with each state's department of agriculture overseeing the distribution and management of funds. The primary goal of the SCBGP is to promote specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). This competitive grant opportunity supports projects that aim to enhance the marketing, production, and consumption of specialty crops, as well as improve related infrastructure and research capabilities. Projects may address a wide range of focus areas such as increasing public knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, promoting food safety and sustainable farming practices, supporting organic research, improving distribution systems, and advancing pest and disease management. Importantly, funds must be used in a way that benefits the specialty crop industry as a whole; projects that provide a direct commercial advantage to a single entity or product are not eligible. Eligible applicants for the Arizona iteration of the SCBGP include state and local organizations, producer associations, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders in the specialty crop sector. Projects may be funded for up to two years. Proposals should include clear and measurable outcomes demonstrating their potential impact on the broader specialty crop industry, beyond individual or organizational gain. Successful applications will likely show how they contribute to enhanced competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability within the sector. The 2026 grant cycle is currently accepting applications. Interested applicants must submit their application package electronically via the designated portal (bit.ly/AZSCBGP-2026) by 11:59:59 p.m. MST on Friday, March 6, 2026. To support applicants, two informational webinars will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 17th and Friday, February 20th. Full details on the application requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission procedures can be found in the SCBGP 2026 Grant Manual and accompanying appendices. AZDA anticipates awarding approximately $1,250,000 in total for the 2026 funding cycle, with funds expected to be disbursed in late 2026. Applications must follow specific formatting and content requirements as outlined in the manual, including a completed application cover sheet, project profile, and budget. The agency emphasizes the importance of clear outcome metrics and comprehensive project planning. Evaluation will prioritize proposals that align with SCBGP goals, have industry-wide impact, and demonstrate strong feasibility. For assistance or to join the SCBGP mailing list, applicants may contact Lisa James at (602) 542-3262 or Ashley Estes at (602) 316-6775, or email [email protected]. Additional guidance and required forms, such as the budget and reporting templates, can be found on the AZDA website. Although no cost-share or matching funds are required for this program, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate leveraged resources when possible. The grant is recurring and typically announced annually.