WSDA Accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Proposals

On Friday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced it is accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Program proposals.  Grants awards in 2026 will range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project and projects may last for up to three years.  Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, federal, and tribal government entities; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).  Also eligible are specialty crop plants that are cultivated for food, medicinal purposes or beautification. Processed specialty crops must consist of more than 50 percent of the specialty crop by weight to be eligible.

Projects Must Help The Industry

Projects cannot benefit a single commercial product or provide a profit to a single farm, institution or individual.  Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete with private companies.  WSDA says all prospective applicants should read the 2026 Request for Proposals for eligibility and application requirements before beginning the application process.

Applications Are Due Mid-October

It is highly encouraged that applicants submit their proposals a few days prior to the deadline in case any technical issues or any other problems occur.  Applicants should visit WSDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant web page for more information. Concept proposals must be submitted electronically by noon PST on October 15th.

Click Here to learn more about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or to apply.

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