Delaware Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of Delaware's specialty crop industry, through funding provided under the Farm Bill and managed by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. The Delaware Department of Agriculture manages a competitive solicitation process to award the program; individual producers, producer groups, organizations, associations, state and local organizations, academia, and other specialty crop stakeholders can apply as single entities or combined efforts. For 2026, DDA is allotting approximately $402,000 through the competitive grant process, with awards available between $5,000 and $75,000.

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.

Competitive grants are awarded between $5,000 and $75,000, funded through a total 2026 allotment of approximately $402,000. Grant agreements for the 2026 cycle were anticipated to be completed by October 30, 2026, with an anticipated project start date of November 16, 2026 and a project conclusion deadline of September 29, 2029.

Delaware Department of Agriculture runs an annual competitive solicitation. For the 2026 cycle: the RFP was released April 27, 2026 and proposals were due to DDA by May 18, 2026 (4:30 p.m. EST); the state plan was due to USDA/AMS by June 8, 2026. Applicants use the 2026 Request for Proposal, Attachment A (Application Cover Sheet), Project Profile Template, and Sample State Plan, all posted on the program page. This cycle has closed; DDA typically reopens the RFP annually each spring — check the program page for the next cycle's dates and documents. For more information or to apply, contact Sheree Nichols, Management Analyst III, Communications & Marketing section, at (302) 698-4521 or sheree.nichols@delaware.gov.