VDACS Accepting Pre-Applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Virtual information session set for January 13, 2026, to detail pre-application process

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is currently accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) provides VDACS with Specialty Crop Block Grant funding to increase the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops in the marketplace.

Pre-applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2026 and should be submitted using the agency’s online portal, which is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/sales-specialty-crop-competitive-grant-program.shtml. Applications received after 5 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2026, will not be considered. Project leaders will receive notification by Feb. 23, 2026, as to if their project is selected to develop a full proposal. Full proposals will be due on March 13, 2026.

The program grant period is expected to begin on Oct. 1, 2026, and the duration of each grant is up to two years. This program is contingent upon the availability of federal funding.

A virtual information session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 10 a.m., to detail the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program round of funding and application process. Please visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/sales-specialty-crop-competitive-grant-program.shtml for the virtual information session link and additional information including previous year’s guidelines, instructions, and application.

VDACS will accept pre-applications of up to $100,000 per project from state and local government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and agricultural associations, industry and producer groups. Individual producers are not eligible to apply for this grant.

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. In awarding USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funds, VDACS will give priority to projects that have the sole purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops as they pertain to the following issues:

• Enhance food safety.
• Improve the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act and in cost-share arrangements for finding audits of such systems, including USDA GroupGAP, for small farmers, packers, and processors.
• Invest in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes.
• Develop new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops.
• Improve pest and disease control.
• Increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.
• Improve efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems.
• Enhance sustainability.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops to include floriculture. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop for more information on eligible and ineligible crops.

Questions regarding the pre-application process should be directed to Janelle Otieno at janelle.otieno@vdacs.virginia.gov or Melissa Ball at melissa.ball@vdacs.virginia.gov.