The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has opened the application process for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 8, 2026.
According to ISDA, the department expects to receive over $2 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to projects that improve the competitiveness of Idaho’s specialty crops. These crops are defined by USDA as including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops such as floriculture, and honey.
Projects seeking funding must focus on enhancing the market position of Idaho-grown specialty crops in either domestic or international markets. The grants are intended to support initiatives that benefit more than one organization or individual.
In the previous year, ISDA provided funding to 13 projects with an average grant amount of $122,800 each. Supported activities included expanding markets domestically and internationally, facilitating trade, managing pests and diseases, improving crop management practices, and providing education related to specialty crops. Crops that benefited included beans, garlic, hops, oilseed plants, onions, potatoes, wine grapes and others.
A webinar offering guidance on the application process will take place on Friday, January 23 at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Additional details about application materials and access to the webinar can be found at www.agri.idaho.gov/scbg.
For further information regarding applications for this grant program, interested parties may contact Brenden Meyet at (208) 332-8547 or Brenden.Meyet@isda.idaho.gov.
