Iowa Specialty Crop Block Grant Program: Funding Opportunities for 2026
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This federally funded initiative, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), provides grants to support projects that bolster the competitiveness of Iowa-grown specialty crops.
Program Overview
The SCBGP aims to enhance the value and marketability of specialty crops, benefiting the entire industry. Eligible specialty crops include fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Livestock and poultry are not eligible under this program. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Grant Details
- Maximum Award: $30,000 Iowa Agriculture
- Eligible Applicants: Iowa-based agencies, universities, producers, and community organizations.
- Application Deadline: March 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
How to Apply
Interested applicants should consult the following resources available through IDALS:
- SCBGP Application Information
- Project Profile Template
- W9 Form Cover Sheet
- Minority Impact Statement
- Grantee Self-Assessment of Internal Controls and Risks
Review Committee
IDALS is seeking nominations for a Review Committee to evaluate and recommend funding for submitted proposals. Committee members should have expertise in specialty crops, grant writing, or grant management. Positions are volunteer-based, and reviewers cannot submit proposals as Principal Investigators while serving on the committee. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Additional Resources
IDALS provides a range of resources for specialty crop producers, including:
- Iowa Farmers Market Manager Toolkit
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Resources
- Creating Innovative Partnerships between Farmers Markets and Food Hubs
- Choose Iowa Grant Programs
- USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grants
Office Hours
SCBGP Office Hours were held on Tuesday, February 10th, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website.