Washington Awarded $4.2M For Specialty Crops

Earlier this week, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced the USDA had awarded the Evergreen state $4.2 million through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program; WSDA says the funding will go to 19 projects this year.

Several of the grants will go to Washington State University, including funding that will allow the WSU Bee Program to create an open-access, comprehensive video series about Varroa destructor management, encouraging beekeepers to adopt responsible and effective management methods. Additional funded projects seek to enhance food safety, increase quality of produce and expand markets for Washington’s specialty crops.

We Are Committed To Advancing Washington Agriculture

"The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is vital for the growth and sustainability of Washington’s diverse agricultural landscape,” said WSDA Director Derek Sandison. “By supporting innovative research, market development and education initiatives, we can enhance the competitiveness of our specialty crops. This year’s awards reflect our commitment to advancing Washington’s agricultural industry and ensuring that our farmers and producers have the resources they need to thrive.”

Grant awardees can be found on the WSDA website and include:

Central Washington University
Compliance Services International
Living Well Kent
Northwest Cider Association
Organic Seed Alliance
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Washington Hop Commission
Washington Red Raspberry Commission
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Washington State Fruit Commission
Washington State University

Washington Has Enjoyed Support For Decades

USDA, which has supported Washington’s specialty crops for two decades, approved and announced the final specialty crop project list earlier this month. Requests for proposals for the 2026 grant cycle are being accepted now through October 15th on the WSDA’s Website.

For questions regarding Washington state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program requirements or eligibility, contact program manager Leisa Schumaker via E-mail or call (360) 485-1255.

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