The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has opened the pre-application period for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) and aims to improve the market competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Virginia.
Pre-applications must be submitted through VDACS’ online portal by 5 p.m. on February 6, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Project leaders will be notified by February 23, 2026, if they are selected to submit a full proposal, which will then be due by March 13, 2026. The grant period is expected to start on October 1, 2026, with projects lasting up to two years. Funding is contingent upon federal budget availability.
A virtual information session about the grant process and funding round will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interested parties can find the session link and further details—including previous guidelines and instructions—on the VDACS website at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/sales-specialty-crop-competitive-grant-program.shtml.
Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, agricultural associations, industry groups, and producer groups. Individual producers are not eligible for this grant opportunity.
According to VDACS: “Specialty crop competitive grant proposals must be specific and explain how an association, industry group or organization will use the funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Some examples include research, promotion and marketing plans, as well as food safety projects and projects that improve food access.”
The department states that priority will be given to projects solely focused on enhancing specialty crop competitiveness in Virginia.
Specialty crops covered under this program include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture products, nursery crops such as floriculture. More information about eligible crops can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.
Questions about the pre-application process can be directed to Janelle Otieno or Melissa Ball at their respective VDACS email addresses.
