2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant application now open

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Press Release

BOISE — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today the application for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant is now open. The deadline for submitting all application materials is Sunday, March 8, 2026. 

ISDA anticipates receiving an allocation of over $2 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops. 

Specialty crops defined by USDA under this program to include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops including floriculture and honey. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Idaho grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets and must provide a benefit to more than a single organization, institution or individual. 

Last year, ISDA awarded funding to 13 projects, with an average allocation of $122,800 each. Projects benefitted beans, garlic, hops, oilseed, onions, potatoes, wine, and more. Activities included domestic and international market expansion and trade facilitation, pest and disease control, crop management and education. 

An application webinar will be held Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. MT. Application materials and information about the webinar are available at www.agri.idaho.gov/scbg. 

For more information on grant applications, contact Brenden Meyet at (208) 332-8547 or Brenden.Meyet@isda.idaho.gov.