Delaware Department of Ag Issues Request for Proposals for 2026 Specialty Crop Grant Program

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has issued a request for proposals for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. About $402,000 has been allotted through the federal Farm Bill to fund through a competitive grant process innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. Applications will be accepted by DDA until 4:30pm on May 18^th.

Additional information from the DDA:

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $75,000 for projects that may last between one and three years in length.

Agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, or educational institutions based in Delaware or with a business or academic affiliation based in the state are eligible to apply. Applications requesting funding for field crops, such as corn and soybeans, or animal agriculture, do not qualify for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Past Delaware projects have included expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on new specialty crop varieties, deer deterrent methods to safeguard specialty crops, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

Proposals for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to DDA by 4:30 p.m. on May 18, 2026. The grant evaluation team will review submissions, with selected projects included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA’s review and final approval.

For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program or to obtain an application, visit online at https://de.gov/scbg.