IDOA Announces More Than $796K in Specialty Crop Grant Funding Available (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced it will distribute more than $796,000 in federal funding over the next three years to support specialty crop production, improve access to fresh locally grown foods and strengthen Illinois’ agricultural economy.
The funding is being made available through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and will support projects running from Sept. 30, 2026 through Sept. 29, 2029.
Applications for grant funding will be available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture website this week and must be submitted by noon on June 5, 2026.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, trade and commodity associations, and public or private colleges and universities.
State officials said Illinois will prioritize projects that support beginning farmers and first-time specialty crop producers, expand nutrition education, connect specialty crops to health outcomes and food safety, and promote sustainability and conservation practices.
“These grant funds help ensure that Illinois producers — especially small, beginning and historically underserved farmers — have the opportunity to grow and succeed,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Our goal is to strengthen local food systems, expand access to fresh, healthy products, and drive innovation in Illinois’ specialty crop industry.”
The department is encouraging proposals focused on improving food safety standards, helping growers comply with Food Safety Modernization Act requirements, investing in specialty crop research, supporting organic crop production, developing improved seed varieties, enhancing pest and disease control, increasing nutrition education and improving supply chain efficiency.
Projects designed primarily to benefit a single commercial product, business or individual are not eligible for funding.
According to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture products and nursery crops.
Illinois currently has more than 3,200 producers dedicated to specialty crop production across more than 83,000 acres of farmland, generating nearly $500 million in annual sales. The state ranks first nationally in pumpkin and horseradish production and is among the top 10 states for asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens and lima beans.
Additional information about the grant program is available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture website or by contacting AGR.ISCBG@illinois.gov.
IDOA Announces More Than $796K in Specialty Crop Grant Funding Available
