Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

     (1) leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

     (2) assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

     (3) expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and

     (4) addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, including a current list of eligible crops, visit USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture receives around $330,0000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry each year. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore economic development, education, and sustainability.

Applicants may apply for up to $75,000 for a specific project with preference given to projects one year in duration. Matching funds are not required. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.

The application period for the 2023 Kansas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has closed. If you are interested in this funding opportunity, we recommend reviewing the application resources listed below to prepare for the next grant cycle. We anticipate the next application period will open in January 2024. If you would like to be notified when the application goes live, please send an email to KDA.SCBG@ks.gov

Application Resources:

Please see the section below for a summary of projects funded in previous years.

For additional information on this program, contact Brittney Grother.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients

  • FY2022 Recipients

  • FY2021 H.R. 133 Stimulus Recipients

  • FY2021 Farm Bill Recipients

  • FY2020 Recipients

  • FY2019 Recipients

  • FY2018 Recipients

  • FY2017 Recipients

  • FY2016 Recipients

  • FY2015 Recipients

  • FY2014 Recipients

  • FY2013 Recipients

  • FY2012 Recipients

  • FY2011 Recipients

  • FY2010 Recipients

  • FY2009 Recipients

  • FY2008 Recipients

  • FY2007 Recipients

  • FY2006 Recipients