Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Submit the Application
If you have determined you meet the eligibility requirements, please fill out the AgEE Program Application and email it to cda_efficiency@state.co.us 
If you are having any trouble filling out the application please feel free to reach out to Wil Mannes by phone (303-866-2418) or by email (wil.mannes@state.co.us).
Step 3: Gather Information & Schedule an Audit
Once your application is received the program administrator, Nexant, Inc., will become your "Energy Coach", reaching out to collect historical energy use data and schedule a no-cost onsite energy audit. 
Step 4: Guided Audit & Audit Report 
Your Energy Coach will come out to your operation and audit the sites outlined in your application to identify potential energy saving measures and collect operational data. After the site visit, your Energy Coach will develop and review your streamlined audit report with you.

This audit report identifies:
- Potential energy efficiency upgrades
- Estimated project costs
- Estimated annual savings
- Estimated available funding
- Payback periods
    
Step 5: Determine Financing Options & Apply for Funding
If after reviewing your streamlined audit report you decide to move forward with a project, your Energy Coach will once again review potential funding sources (outlined below), help secure project quotes from potential contractors and guide you through the funding application process.

Potential Funding Options Available:
- CEO Rebates (Incentives)
- Utility Rebates
- NRCS EQIP Grants
- USDA REAP Grants
- CDA ACRE3 Grants
- CPACE financing
- Private Loans through a variety of sources
 
It is important to note that to meet qualifications for ACRE3, EQIP, and REAP grants, your Energy Coach will need to develop a more in-depth audit report referred to as an Energy Management Plan or "EMP" before you can move forward with the application process.

Wil Mannes

The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.


Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.


The&#x2004;Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the [EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=stelprdb1046252) for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program.


An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.



The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.

Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program.

An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.

All EQIP-eligible Colorado agricultural producers and processors can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program.

Eligible participants include any of the following operations which also accrue $4,800+ in on-farm energy costs annually.
- Dairies
- Irrigators
- Greenhouses/Nurseries
- Cold Storage Facilities
- Poultry & Swine operations
- Feedlots

Please note Cannabis and Hemp operations are not eligible for this program and transportation energy expenses are excluded from the $4,800 requirement.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Infrastructure

Fill out the Preliminary Application and submit it here to get started.

Learn more about the complete application process here.

Sam Anderson

Energy Coordinator

The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save&#x2004;water and energy.


CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.


In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.

The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.


Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.


You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:

- [Recommendations for Developing](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGpJYmI5dzlYU1k/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGtZQnFPdnpxbWs/view?usp=sharing)


For more information, here is [how to participate](https://ag.colorado.gov/acre3-how-to-participate) in the ACRE3 Program.



The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save water and energy.

CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.

In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.
The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.

Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.

You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:
- Recommendations for Developing
- Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado
- Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook
- Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual

For more information, here is how to participate in the ACRE3 Program.

Project Developers should view the Hydro Navigation Guide Resources to download the Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual, hydropower assessment and design tools, a project planning checklist, and other resources for project developers and program partners.

- P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Alternative Energy

The RCPP irrigation hydro program provides funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and ACRE3 energy grant program. Additional funding is available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). ACRE3 funding will be awarded after funding has been approved for EQIP and REAP (if applicable). When applying for funding through these programs, please note that funding payments are on a reimbursement basis and upfront costs of the project are the responsibility of the applicant. Please note that federal tax incentives for renewable energy cannot be used together with payments from a federally funded program such as EQIP or REAP.

EQIP:

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP may also help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. EQIP has three payment rates within the RCPP program: regular EQIP, EQIP special initiatives, and EQIP historically underserved.

To get started with EQIP, go to: www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted. Select “Service Center Locator” to find a local representative. Please request assistance through the RCPP hydro program.

This document describes EQIP project eligibility and criteria for the RCPP irrigation hydro program: P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria.

EQIP payments are determined from the eligible conservation practices listed in the EQIP Practice Payment Schedule. Here are some examples of available practice codes:
- 430 Irrigation Pipeline – Micro Hydro Power Plant 442 Irrigation System, Sprinkler 449 Irrigation Water Management 430 Irrigation Pipeline – HDPE Pipe 587 Structure for Water Control – Cleaning Screens 533 Pumping Plant

While the minimum REAP grant request is $2,500 and competition is lower for requests under $20,000, ACRE3 encourages applicants to consider that the amount of work required for small grants is nearly the same as that required for large grant requests. Before applying for a REAP grant, the applicant should look over the application and REAP checklist to estimate the number of hours that it will take to meet the application requirements both before and after the application is submitted.

This document describes REAP project eligibility and criteria: P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria.

Additional Incentives, Policies, and Programs:

Participation in the RCPP irrigation Hydropower Program precludes you from receiving renewable energy tax credits from the IRS. However, several other tax incentives, financing options, renewable energy policies, and local programs may provide additional assistance with hydro projects. The attached brochure provides information to help you take advantage of these other opportunities: P.04 Renewable Energy Incentives and Policies in Colorado.

REAP grants provide up to 25% of eligible project costs, including renewable energy equipment and installation costs. REAP grants and loans can be combined for a maximum of 75% of project costs.

Please note: When completing the REAP application, all hydro projects approved for the RCPP irrigation hydro program should always be categorized as Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Replacement (not for Energy Generated or Energy Saved) unless the estimated energy production exceeds the on-farm energy needs. In that case, the project should be categorized under Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Generation.

ACRE3:

The ACRE3 program promotes the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for Colorado’s agricultural producers and processors under the direction of the Colorado Agricultural Value-Added Development Board. The Colorado Department of Agriculture may award ACRE3 funds to projects for up to 25% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $25,000 per project. The ACRE3 program will provide technical services to agricultural producers to complete the project development process described in this navigation guide. This document describes ACRE3 project eligibility and criteria: P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria. 

REAP:

The USDA Rural Development (RD) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP grants can be used to purchase or install hydropower systems to reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs. REAP has two types of funding assistance, Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance Financing programs, for secured loans up to 75% of project costs.

Katy Dickey

Denise Martinez

**_There is currently a waitlist for this program. _**


The Colorado Agricultural Future Loan is a financially-inclusive lending program that offers financing to beginning farmers and ranchers, and businesses that transform, package, process, store, or grade Colorado&#x2004;farm or ranch products.

We’re using alternative forms of documentation to qualify loans that conventional lenders won’t consider. By providing agricultural infrastructure and operating loans to those who might not otherwise qualify for traditional lending opportunities, we are seeking to strengthen Colorado agriculture, expand diversity within farming, and increase participation from next-generation farmers.

Loan funds can be used for most business purposes, including, but not limited to: operating expenses, the purchase of land and equipment, business improvements, worker wages, and conservation projects.



There is currently a waitlist for this program. 

The Colorado Agricultural Future Loan is a financially-inclusive lending program that offers financing to beginning farmers and ranchers, and businesses that transform, package, process, store, or grade Colorado farm or ranch products.
We’re using alternative forms of documentation to qualify loans that conventional lenders won’t consider. By providing agricultural infrastructure and operating loans to those who might not otherwise qualify for traditional lending opportunities, we are seeking to strengthen Colorado agriculture, expand diversity within farming, and increase participation from next-generation farmers.
Loan funds can be used for most business purposes, including, but not limited to: operating expenses, the purchase of land and equipment, business improvements, worker wages, and conservation projects.

- You must be a resident of Colorado.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must own or operate a farm, ranch, or business that provides supporting infrastructure to benefit farms and ranches in the state of Colorado. Although your business does not yet have to be operational, you do need to have applied for and received a Colorado business license. 
- You must have the ability and resources needed to operate. You are capable of beginning or expanding the operation of your business as soon as funds are disbursed. 
- You must have the education, training, or experience necessary to operate the business. 
- You will need to provide a detailed written description of your business that answers the following questions:
    - What does your business do?
    - What need(s) are you filling?
    - Who are your customers and how will you reach them?
    - How is your business going to make money?
    - What do you need to get started?
    - What are the biggest challenges you face?
    - What do you have in place to help you succeed?
    - How will you measure success?

Succession

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

- 4% fixed interest rate (Annual Percentage Rate 4.17%)
- Term notes of 1-20 years
- 1.5% loan fee
- Revolving lines of credit up to 5 years
- Up to $750,000, with more possible for significant capital purchases

Due to federal funding cancellations, this program is not currently accepting new applicants. 

### **Updates from the Colorado Soil Health Program**

 Friends,

You have likely heard that the CDA, our partners, and producers have had a rocky few weeks as we deal with the cancellation of our Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant (PCSC).

Unfortunately, losing these funds will reduce our ability to provide much-needed technical assistance and incentive payments to the hundreds of spectacular farmers and ranchers who we have worked with&#x2004;over the last few years. Though this has been an unexpected setback, the Colorado Soil Health Program and our efforts to assist producers on their soil health journeys are not over.

CDA was the only state department of agriculture to be a main awardee for PCSC grant funds, and through some new state funding opportunities, Colorado will continue to be a leader in the national movement towards healthier soil. We will keep you informed as we work towards this new future for our program, and we look forward to continuing to work with our wonderful Colorado ag communities in new ways. 

Thank you,

John Miller (Program Manager) and the entire CSHP Team


The Colorado Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) Program is a free and voluntary tool to inspire producers, give bragging rights, and structure conversations around soil health. STAR is a practice-based rating system that assigns points for the following soil health practices: cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and other best management practices based upon a 10-minute form that producers fill out about each field. As a result, the farmer or rancher receives a STAR rating from 1-5 stars that help them understand how well they are doing in promoting soil health and upholding the **5 principles of soil health**:

- Soil Armor

- Minimize Soil Disturbance

- Plant Diversity

- Continual Live Plant/Root

- Livestock Integration

STAR could become a market signal to pay producers more for products grown using healthy soils practices and provide an onramp to other opportunities.



Updates from the Colorado Soil Health Program
 Friends,
You have likely heard that the CDA, our partners, and producers have had a rocky few weeks as we deal with the cancellation of our Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant (PCSC).
Unfortunately, losing these funds will reduce our ability to provide much-needed technical assistance and incentive payments to the hundreds of spectacular farmers and ranchers who we have worked with over the last few years. Though this has been an unexpected setback, the Colorado Soil Health Program and our efforts to assist producers on their soil health journeys are not over.
CDA was the only state department of agriculture to be a main awardee for PCSC grant funds, and through some new state funding opportunities, Colorado will continue to be a leader in the national movement towards healthier soil. We will keep you informed as we work towards this new future for our program, and we look forward to continuing to work with our wonderful Colorado ag communities in new ways. 
Thank you,
John Miller (Program Manager) and the entire CSHP Team

The Colorado Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) Program is a free and voluntary tool to inspire producers, give bragging rights, and structure conversations around soil health. STAR is a practice-based rating system that assigns points for the following soil health practices: cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and other best management practices based upon a 10-minute form that producers fill out about each field. As a result, the farmer or rancher receives a STAR rating from 1-5 stars that help them understand how well they are doing in promoting soil health and upholding the 5 principles of soil health:
- Soil Armor
- Minimize Soil Disturbance
- Plant Diversity
- Continual Live Plant/Root
- Livestock Integration
STAR could become a market signal to pay producers more for products grown using healthy soils practices and provide an onramp to other opportunities.

Conservation

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Individual producers who have submitted a STAR field assessment form to CDA will be subject to random verification by a CDA employee.  This verification process does not require a field visit, but rather will involve the submission of documentation showing the practices indicated in the STAR Form.  Documentation may include receipts, invoices, dated photographs, harvest logs, FSA Form 578, NRCS records, harvest logs, and other commonly kept records.  

Visit the program website for contact information.

**Notice**: _On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the&#x2004;cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the AMP initiative. _


This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits.


In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products.


Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance.


To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and  reduce  market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.  



Notice: On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the AMP initiative. 

This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. The project plans to use COMET-Planner to verify GHG benefits.

In addition, Colorado State University will study impact and adoption of climate-smart soil health practices. The project plans to use a STAR Rating System to market & receive premium for climate-smart products.

Branding opportunities for STAR related products will be used. The project plans to support multiple underserved producers with financial assistance.

To ensure equitable administration that includes small / underserved producers, improved understanding and awareness of climate-smart commodities among small and underserved producers, expand their access to participation and  reduce  market entry risk, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is partnering with Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) and others to help guide recruitment and peer to peer learning.  

Beef Cattle

Cornish Hens

Grains

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Cattle

Poultry

Row Crops

Livestock

Apply for the grant online using this form.

Joanne Hernandez

The NextGen Ag Leadership Grant&#x2004;Program is a new opportunity created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the fall of 2022. This program provides grants to agricultural organizations and educational institutions that support developmental and training opportunities for the next generation of agriculturalists.  

Programs qualifying for NextGen grants must help lead young people into careers in food and agriculture and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow. 

To ensure the security of our food systems, stewardship of natural resources, and equitable food access across communities, CDA is advancing our support of educational and leadership development opportunities for the next generation of agricultural producers, aspiring producers, and young people across the food and ag value chains. 

Colorado’s food and agriculture industry is broad and diverse. This program is geared toward not just future generations of farmers and ranchers, but also people trained in the biosciences, nutrition, meat science, veterinary science, agronomy, soil health and conservation, engineering, food safety, technology, product development, marketing, and logistics.



The NextGen Ag Leadership Grant Program is a new opportunity created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the fall of 2022. This program provides grants to agricultural organizations and educational institutions that support developmental and training opportunities for the next generation of agriculturalists.  
Programs qualifying for NextGen grants must help lead young people into careers in food and agriculture and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow. 
To ensure the security of our food systems, stewardship of natural resources, and equitable food access across communities, CDA is advancing our support of educational and leadership development opportunities for the next generation of agricultural producers, aspiring producers, and young people across the food and ag value chains. 
Colorado’s food and agriculture industry is broad and diverse. This program is geared toward not just future generations of farmers and ranchers, but also people trained in the biosciences, nutrition, meat science, veterinary science, agronomy, soil health and conservation, engineering, food safety, technology, product development, marketing, and logistics.

Proposals for grants can be submitted by any agricultural organizations and educational institutions serving the next generation leaders in agriculture. The grant application must address one or more of the following strategic NextGen program priorities:
1. Develop individual leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills. Examples might include established leadership and training programs. 
2. Enhance organizational leadership and capacity building. Examples might include agricultural organizations seeking to develop leaders internally. 
3. Create educational and/or training opportunities. Examples might include foundations providing NextGen educational and/or training, conferences wanting to offer scholarships, community colleges and other educational entities offering financial assistance for youth pursuing education in a food or agricultural program. 
Creative and innovative ideas that fit within the strategic priorities are encouraged. Grants will not be awarded to individuals. 

- PDF flyer about the program
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preview Application

Stewardship

Transition

Education

All projects must be fully completed by the end of the state fiscal year in which funds are awarded. The state fiscal year runs from July 1st - June 30th of the following year. For example, projects funded in July of 2023 must be fully completed by June 30, 2024.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) will accept concept proposals between January 5, 2026 and February 13, 2026 for projects starting no earlier than January 1, 2027 and ending no later than November 15, 2028.
CDA anticipates awarding approximately $700,000 to FFY 2026 projects.
Producer groups, organizations, and associations, as well as state and local governments, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will accrue to a broader group of similar producers, region, or industry segment. Projects may not solely benefit individuals, individual operations, or individual companies or businesses.
CDA encourages applicants to submit concept proposals that focus on the following State priorities:
1. Creating and expanding pathways to increase profitability and access diverse markets;
2. Addressing labor challenges;
3. Investing in new agricultural technology; and
4. Responding to pest, disease, and climate pressures.
CDA’s competitive solicitation process will be divided into two (2) phases: 
- Phase 1: Concept Proposal
- Phase 2: Project Plan
Applicants may submit one or more concept proposals in Phase 1 using the online application form by 5:00 pm MST on February 13, 2026. All eligible concept proposals will be evaluated by a review committee comprised of experts and qualified individuals.
Applicants will be notified whether they have been selected to participate in Phase 2 and complete a project plan to be included in Colorado's FFY 2026 state plan in mid-March or early April 2026. CDA will provide further instructions at that time.

Colorado Department of Agriculture

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal&#x2004;grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the [U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop).


**Phase 1: Concept Proposal (open to eligible applicants)**

- Application Opens: Monday, January 5, 2026

- Informational Webinar ([Watch the recording](https://youtu.be/bTR1aVbKwmg?si=Y9tf3fPspaYGhv5u)

- [(opens in new window)](https://youtu.be/bTR1aVbKwmg?si=Y9tf3fPspaYGhv5u)

- ): Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12 pm MST

- Application Closes: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5 pm MST

- Review Period: mid-February to mid-March 2026

- Notices Sent to Applicants: late March or early April 2026

**Phase 2: Project Plan (by invitation only)**

- Invitation to Submit Project Plan: late March or early April 2026

- Project Plan Due: Friday, April 17, 2026 by 5:00 pm MST

- Project Plans Submitted to USDA: late April or early May 2026 (estimate)

- Project Plan Revisions with USDA: June to August 2026 (estimate)

**Grant Award**

- USDA Notice of Award: By September 30, 2026

- Grant Agreement Process: October to December 2026 (estimate)

- Earliest Project Start Date: January 1, 2027\*

- Latest Project End Date: November 15, 2028

- Annual Reports Due: November 2027, November 2028, November 2029

\*Subrecipients cannot be reimbursed for project costs incurred before the effective date of their agreement with the State.

CDA may deviate from this anticipated schedule as needed and without notice.



The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website.

Phase 1: Concept Proposal (open to eligible applicants)
- Application Opens: Monday, January 5, 2026
- Informational Webinar (Watch the recording
- (opens in new window)
- ): Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12 pm MST
- Application Closes: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5 pm MST
- Review Period: mid-February to mid-March 2026
- Notices Sent to Applicants: late March or early April 2026
Phase 2: Project Plan (by invitation only)
- Invitation to Submit Project Plan: late March or early April 2026
- Project Plan Due: Friday, April 17, 2026 by 5:00 pm MST
- Project Plans Submitted to USDA: late April or early May 2026 (estimate)
- Project Plan Revisions with USDA: June to August 2026 (estimate)
Grant Award
- USDA Notice of Award: By September 30, 2026
- Grant Agreement Process: October to December 2026 (estimate)
- Earliest Project Start Date: January 1, 2027*
- Latest Project End Date: November 15, 2028
- Annual Reports Due: November 2027, November 2028, November 2029
*Subrecipients cannot be reimbursed for project costs incurred before the effective date of their agreement with the State.
CDA may deviate from this anticipated schedule as needed and without notice.

- Producer groups, organizations, and associations, as well as state and/or local organizations, academia, and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply with projects lasting from approximately January 1, 2024 to November 15, 2025, either as single entities or in combined efforts.
- Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will accrue to a broader group of similar producers, region or industry segment. Projects may not solely benefit individuals, individual operations, or individual companies or businesses. 
- All projects must solely enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops.

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

- Watch a recording of the 1/13/2026 informational webinar on YouTube
- (opens in new window)
- Obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov
- (opens in new window)
- View USDA's list of plants commonly considered specialty crops as well as ineligible commodities
- (opens in new window)
- Read summaries of previously funded SCBGP projects
- (opens in new window)
- Review last year's (FFY 2025) Request for Applications (RFA) from USDA-AMS
- (opens in new window)
- Read through USDA-AMS Grant Division's General Terms and Conditions
- (opens in new window)
For any technical issues, email us at cda_scbgp@state.co.us
(opens in new window)
.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to its services, programs, activities, education, employment, and applications. If accommodation or assistance is requested, please contact us at cda_a11y@state.co.us
(opens in new window) or 303-869-9000

List of Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Funding Opportunities