Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The purpose of the Commonwealth Specialty Crop Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It funds specialty crops that are not currently eligible under the federal program or are otherwise designated high-priority by the Secretary, assisting the growth, seed certification, and marketing of eligible crops. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Market Development) under Act 40 of 2019.

Eligible applicants include state and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty-crop stakeholders. Eligible crops (FY2025-26): hemp, hardwoods, honey, hops, barley/rye/wheat (for distilling, brewing, and malting only), and flax (for fiber only). Grants may not be awarded to projects that directly benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

A total of $460,000 is awarded through this reimbursement-based grant, on a funds-available basis. Matching funds are not required. Grant funds cannot be expended on purchases/services that predate the grant agreement's effective date or that are incurred after June 30, 2029. Annual and Final performance reports are required. Set-asides: 6.2% for rural and 3.8% for urban distressed municipalities, with the balance split across crop types.

Two-phase competitive solicitation via the DCED Electronic Single Application (grants.pa.gov). Phase I is a Full Proposal; highest-combined-score projects are invited to submit a Final Grant Proposal. The FY2025-26 RFP was released November 10, 2025 with Full Proposals due December 19, 2025; the next cycle is expected around November 2026.