Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for anticipated funding through the 2023 U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty 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.

2023 Kansas Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is expected to receive around $327,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. 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 is now open and is scheduled to close on March 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CT.

How to Apply:

  1. Download and read the 2023 Kansas Request for Applications document.
  2. Download and complete the Kansas Project Profile Template.
  3. Gather optional letters of support.
  4. Complete the online application and upload your support materials HERE.

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

  • 2022 Recipients

  • 2021 H.R. 133 Stimulus Recipients

  • 2021 Farm Bill Recipients

  • 2020 Recipients

  • 2019 Recipients

  • 2018 Recipients

  • 2017 Recipients

  • 2016 Recipients

  • 2015 Recipients

  • 2014 Recipients

  • 2013 Recipients

  • 2012 Recipients

  • 2010 Recipients

  • 2009 Recipients

  • 2008 Recipients

  • 2007 Recipients