Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered in Washington State by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is designed to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops within the state. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. The program operates as a pass-through funding opportunity in which the state solicits, evaluates, and submits selected proposals to the federal government for final approval and funding allocation. The purpose of the program is to increase demand for and improve the competitiveness of Washington’s specialty crop industry. Projects funded under this program are expected to provide broad benefits to the industry rather than to individual businesses or products. The program specifically prohibits funding for projects that directly benefit a single commercial entity, provide profit to an individual organization, or support business expansion for private gain. Instead, projects must demonstrate clear industry-wide impact, such as research, education, marketing development, or innovation that supports multiple producers or stakeholders. The funding opportunity follows a two-phase competitive application process. In Phase I, applicants were required to submit a Concept Proposal outlining the project’s objectives, beneficiaries, and alignment with program priorities. Selected applicants were then invited to Phase II to submit a full grant proposal with detailed project plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. Applications were submitted through an online system, and proposals were evaluated through administrative and technical reviews, including scoring based on project relevance, expected outcomes, and industry impact. The application timeline for this funding cycle began with the release of the Request for Proposals on August 22, 2025. Concept proposals were due on October 15, 2025. Applicants selected to advance were invited to submit full proposals, which were due on February 5, 2026. Notifications for Phase II decisions occurred in March 2026, and the state submitted its consolidated application to the federal agency in May 2026. Final award announcements were expected from the federal government in September 2026. Funding for this cycle was anticipated to total approximately $3.9 million. Individual project awards were expected to range from $25,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project duration of three years. Funded projects were required to begin no earlier than September 30, 2026 and conclude no later than September 29, 2029. Indirect costs were not allowable, and recipients were required to comply with federal grant regulations, including reporting, financial management, and procurement standards. Eligible applicants included nonprofit organizations, government entities at various levels, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations. Individuals were not eligible to apply. All proposed projects were required to directly benefit Washington specialty crop producers or processors and demonstrate measurable outcomes that contribute to industry competitiveness. Applicants were also required to maintain compliance with federal requirements such as registration in the System for Award Management and adherence to financial and administrative standards. The program is recurring and operates on an annual funding cycle aligned with federal appropriations. While the application period for the FY2026 cycle has closed, future opportunities are expected to follow a similar structure and timeline. Applicants are encouraged to monitor announcements from the Washington State Department of Agriculture for subsequent funding rounds and updated program guidance.

Ensure the project demonstrates clear industry wide benefit aligns with funding priorities and includes measurable outcomes. Avoid proposing projects that benefit a single entity and ensure all budget items are allowable and well justified.