Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026 Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service seeks applications for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP) to support collaborative multi-state partnerships addressing regional and national specialty crop issues including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects, and marketing and promotion. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, state governments, public higher education institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that partner across multiple states to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic or foreign markets. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes benefiting at least two U.S. states and/or territories and include a mandatory 25% cost share from non-Federal sources in cash and/or in-kind contributions. Applications are evaluated through a three-step process consisting of initial completeness and eligibility screening, followed by technical review using peer reviewers who score proposals on alignment and intent (25 points), technical merit (25 points), achievability (20 points), expertise and partners (20 points), and fiscal plan and resources (10 points). Multi-state partners must submit applications to participating states by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on August 31, 2026, while participating states and entities in nonparticipating states must submit to AMS by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 16, 2026.

Awards range from $250,000 to $1,000,000 for three-year projects beginning approximately September 30, 2026 and ending September 29, 2029, with approximately $14.3 million in total funding available through competitive grants. Applicants must submit electronic applications through Grants.gov with required documents including SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a project narrative limited to 15 pages, signed letters of verification for cost share contributions, signed letters of commitment from all partners and collaborators, and a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement if applicable. Indirect costs are capped at 8% of total Federal funds, and successful applicants must comply with AMS and USDA General Terms and Conditions while submitting annual performance and financial reports.