Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS). This competitive grant initiative is designed to bolster the competitiveness of specialty crop industries in Wisconsin through targeted funding. The SCBGP operates under the authority of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004, as amended by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Funds are made available to DATCP by the USDA, and eligible projects selected by DATCP will be included in the state’s application to USDA for final approval. The program supports the development and growth of specialty crops—which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops, nursery plants, and floriculture—through impactful projects that demonstrate industry-wide benefit. Grants are awarded to proposals that clearly address a priority need within the specialty crop sector and provide measurable outcomes. The funding supports a wide range of project types including research on pest control and crop sustainability, development of new seed varieties, enhancing food safety protocols, expanding market access, and increasing nutrition awareness. Successful projects must aim to benefit the industry as a whole rather than a single entity. Individual producers and for-profit businesses may apply only if they can demonstrate significant benefit to the broader specialty crop community. The application period for the 2026 grant cycle is open through March 3, 2026. Proposals must be submitted using DATCP’s official application template. Projects selected by DATCP will be submitted to USDA in May 2026. Final approval and award notifications are expected in late 2026, with grant agreements issued by the end of that year. Project activities may begin in early 2027 and must be completed by June 30, 2029. There are no required matching funds, and this is a reimbursement-based program—applicants must be financially capable of covering expenses prior to reimbursement. Funding awards range from $10,000 to $100,000 per project. Eligible applicants include Wisconsin-based nonprofit organizations, producer groups, government entities, educational institutions, and other organizations engaged in agriculture. Multi-state projects are also encouraged when they benefit multiple states and present a cost-sharing framework. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and each project must designate both a project coordinator and an authorized contract signer. Preference may be given to applicants not currently holding active grants from DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development. Applicants must follow strict eligibility and compliance requirements. Allowable costs include personnel time, consultants, travel, materials, and leased equipment. Ineligible expenses include capital equipment purchases, lobbying activities, indirect administrative costs, and entertainment. Detailed budgeting and performance measurement are required, and applicants must report project results using federally defined outcome and indicator metrics. Annual progress and final reports must be submitted to DATCP, and a portion of grant funds will be withheld until the final report and all receipts are submitted. Application components include a cover sheet, project description, budget, letters of support, and measurable outcomes. Projects are evaluated based on purpose, industry impact, alignment with program priorities, and budget justification. For questions, applicants may contact Ben Becker, Ag Program Supervisor, at (608) 320-6685 or via email at [email protected]. A detailed request for proposals and supporting documents can be found at the DATCP website. The program aims to uplift Wisconsin’s specialty crop industry through collaborative, data-driven, and impactful initiatives.