The NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant is now open, offering important funding opportunities for farmers, producer groups, and agricultural organizations across New York State. This grant program aims to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops and support projects that improve production, marketing, and long-term viability for growers.
What Is the NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant
The NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant is funded through the USDA and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program focuses on specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. These grants do not support individual farm operations directly for routine expenses but instead fund projects that benefit the broader specialty crop sector.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
Projects funded through the NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in New York. Eligible project areas include improving food safety practices, expanding marketing and promotion efforts, developing new markets, advancing research, improving pest and disease management, and supporting sustainability initiatives. Grants can also fund educational programs, infrastructure development, and innovation that benefits multiple producers or an entire crop category.
Funding amounts typically range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the scope and impact of the project. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and clear benefits to New York’s specialty crop industry.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants for the NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant include nonprofit organizations, producer associations, research institutions, universities, cooperatives, local governments, and other agricultural organizations. Individual farmers may apply if the project benefits the specialty crop industry as a whole rather than a single operation.
Applicants must show experience managing grants, the ability to complete the proposed work, and a plan for reporting outcomes and results.
How to Apply
To apply for the NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant, applicants must respond to the official Request for Proposals issued by New York State. Applications typically require a detailed project narrative, budget, timeline, and explanation of how the project will benefit specialty crop producers. All applications must meet state and USDA compliance requirements.
Interested applicants should review program guidelines carefully and begin preparing materials early. Collaboration with partners can strengthen applications and improve competitiveness.
- Grant Writing Webinar 1: Tuesday January 20, 2026 2:00pm-3:30pm. Register
- Grant Writing Webinar 2: Thursday January 22, 2026 9:00am-10:30am. Register
Both webinars will be recorded and made available for later viewing at nyfvi.org.
Why This Grant Matters
The NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant plays a key role in supporting innovation, resilience, and growth within NYC’s specialty crop sector. As production costs rise and markets evolve, funding programs like this help producers adapt, expand opportunities, and remain competitive.
For growers and organizations committed to strengthening local food systems, this grant offers a valuable path to invest in the future of New York agriculture.
Proposals must be submitted by Monday, February 16, 2026. Program details and the 2026 RFP are available at www.nyfvi.org.
Related blog: Agriculture Grants This Year: Opportunities for Farmers and Growers
