SPECIALTY CROP GRANT PROGRAM | Virginia

Pre-Applications Are Currently Being Accepted

Pre-register for Informational Session Now

January 13, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. EST
January 22, 2026 @ 1:00 p.m. EST

For general questions, please email janelle.otieno@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Program Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers this program through a competitive grant process, allowing organizations throughout Virginia to apply for funding that supports the specialty crop initiative.

How the Grant Process Works

For the 2026 round of funding, VDACS will be hosting a two-phase application process. Project Leads must submit a pre-application (due February 6, 2026).
VDACS accepts grant pre-applications for specialty crop projects that enhance the competitiveness in Virginia.
All proposals are reviewed and evaluated by VDACS based on the criteria outlined in the application. The review panel will select projects to complete a full application.
All selected projects will be compiled into the Virginia State Plan and submitted to USDA.
USDA reviews and approves the final grant award.
Disbursement of awards are made to the applicant (sub-grantee) after the grant award is made to VDACS. (Anticipated October 1, 2026).

Important Note

All deadlines and funding are contingent upon the final U.S. Farm Bill and Notice of Funds Availability from USDA's Agriculture Marketing Services.

Anticipated Timeline

December 31, 2025 – Announce grant opportunity
January 13, 2026, | 10 a.m. – Interested Party Webinar
February 6, 2026, | 5 p.m. – Pre-proposal submission deadline
February 2026 – Evaluation and Review
March 2026 – VDACS submits grant submission to USDA
September 2026 – VDACS announces awards

Specialty Crop Grant Details

Explore additional information about the Specialty Crop Competitive Grant Program.

How To Apply

All applications will be submitted through the VDACS WebGrants System.

Required Document

Applicants must submit a completed Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) W-9 Form.
Federal W-9 forms are not accepted.

Step 1: Register for a VDACS WebGrants Account

Create a VDACS WebGrants account before applying.
Read step-by-step instructions on Registering with the WebGrants System

Step 2: Sign in and complete the VDACS WebGrants Application

Read step-by-step instructions on submitting an application

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from:

Agricultural associations
Industry and producer groups
Community-based organizations
Academia

Applicants must seek to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in Virginia. Applications should describe 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.