IDALS Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) administers the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) with funding provided by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The SCBGP is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Iowa through a range of initiatives including research, market development, training, and educational outreach. Specialty crops as defined by USDA include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. The program emphasizes projects that offer broad industry benefits rather than serving individual producers or companies. The 2026 cycle of the IDALS SCBGP places priority on several project categories. These include initiatives that expand local production and market development, improve distribution systems, or increase demand for specialty crops. Research projects aimed at increasing yields, pest and disease management, and developing new varieties—particularly in organic systems—are encouraged. Additionally, the program supports projects that provide training, technical assistance, and business development resources to growers. Educational programs that promote awareness of specialty crop nutrition, preparation, and accessibility are also prioritized. Applicants must be Iowa-based legal entities such as agencies, universities, institutions, producers, industry groups, or community organizations. While for-profit organizations and individuals cannot receive funding for profit-generating activities, they may participate as project partners. All applicants must be in good standing and registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Projects must exclusively benefit Iowa-grown specialty crops and the broader industry, rather than single businesses or proprietary products. The grant allows for a maximum subaward of $30,000 per project, with performance periods ranging from 12 to 30 months. There is no federal cost share or match requirement; in fact, USDA requests that match information not be included in application documents or reports. However, supporting letters may mention matching funds. Project budgets must align strictly with federal cost principles outlined in 2 CFR §200, and no indirect costs are permitted. Specific cost restrictions apply to per diem, contractual rates, capital expenditures, and general administrative costs. Projects that include special purpose equipment exceeding $10,000 require prior USDA approval. Applications must be submitted to IDALS by March 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Proposals should include a completed Project Profile Template, a signed cover sheet, work plan, personnel summaries, three letters of support, and several administrative forms including a W-9, SAM registration, and internal risk assessment. Electronic submission is preferred, and IDALS will confirm receipt within two business days. Preliminary acceptance notifications will be sent by April 30, 2026, with USDA final approvals expected in September or October. Projects should not begin before September 30, 2026, unless explicitly approved. Grant proposals are reviewed by a committee appointed by the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. The committee evaluates applications based on clarity of outcomes, sustainability, benefit to the industry, engagement with growers, and budget justification. Selected proposals are recommended to the Secretary, who makes the final decision on submissions forwarded to USDA for final approval and funding. Successful applicants will be responsible for annual and final reporting, compliance with federal grant rules, and ongoing communication with IDALS regarding project changes or challenges. Multi-state projects are also welcomed but must be submitted directly to USDA through their designated program for broader regional efforts.

Clearly define measurable outcomes; collaborate with growers; avoid funding proposals that benefit a single entity.