Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026

The Specialty Crop Multi-State Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Marketing Service. This federal grant program is authorized under the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 and is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops across the United States. The program emphasizes collaboration across state lines, requiring multi-state partnerships that address regional or national agricultural challenges. According to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, approximately 14.3 million dollars is available for fiscal year funding, and awards are made on a competitive basis. The purpose of the program is to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. Eligible projects must address issues that extend beyond a single state and deliver measurable outcomes that benefit multiple stakeholders. Key focus areas include food safety, plant pests and disease management, research, crop-specific challenges, and marketing and promotion. Projects are expected to demonstrate broad industry impact rather than benefiting a single organization or individual, and must involve at least two partners located in different states. Funding under this program ranges from a minimum of 250000 dollars to a maximum of 1000000 dollars per project, with an anticipated performance period of up to three years. The award period is expected to begin around September 30, 2026 and end around September 29, 2029. A mandatory cost share of 25 percent of the federal funds requested is required, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources. Administrative costs are limited to 8 percent of the total federal award, and applicants must ensure that all proposed costs comply with federal regulations and USDA guidelines. Eligibility for the program includes state departments of agriculture, as well as entities such as local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations located in nonparticipating states. Entities located in participating states must apply through their respective state departments of agriculture, while entities in nonparticipating states may apply directly to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Partnerships are required and must include multiple states or territories, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on regional collaboration and shared outcomes. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include several required components such as the SF-424 application form, SF-424A budget form, a detailed project narrative using the required template, letters verifying cost share contributions, and letters of commitment from partners and collaborators. The project narrative must outline objectives, activities, outcomes, and a detailed budget, and must adhere to strict formatting and page limits. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submission. The application process involves multiple stages of review, including an initial screening for eligibility and completeness, a technical peer review evaluating alignment, merit, feasibility, and partnerships, and a final administrative review assessing risk and funding alignment. Applications are scored based on criteria such as alignment with program goals, technical merit, achievability, expertise of partners, and fiscal responsibility. Successful applicants receive a Notice of Award and must comply with reporting requirements, including annual performance and financial reports. The application timeline includes two key deadlines: multi-state partners must submit to participating states by August 31, 2026, and final applications must be submitted to the Agricultural Marketing Service by October 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The program operates on a recurring basis, with future funding opportunities expected annually. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early due to registration requirements and the complexity of the application process, and may contact program staff via email for technical assistance throughout the process.

Ensure strong multi-state collaboration and measurable outcomes; align project with priority areas like food safety or pests; clearly justify budget and cost share; submit early to avoid registration delays