Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP) — South Carolina

Federal USDA-AMS competitive grant that funds collaborative multi-state projects addressing regional or national specialty-crop issues — food safety, plant pests and disease, research, and marketing/promotion. The SC Department of Agriculture acts as the SC conduit/applicant for projects led by or partnering with a South Carolina organization. Awards range $250,000–$1,000,000 per project, up to three years, with a required cost-share match equal to 25% of the federal amount.

Specialty crop producer associations and groups, other state agencies, Tribal government entities, universities, non-profits, and other stakeholder groups. Each proposal must include at least two 'multi-state partners' located in two different states; to apply through SCDA at least one partner must be located in South Carolina. If no SC organization is the lead or a partner, applicants must apply directly to USDA-AMS.

Grant awards range from $250,000 to $1 million per project, and projects may last for up to three years (estimated period of performance 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2029).

Cost share is required: contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total federal portion of the grant. See the USDA Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information on this component.

SCDA acts as the conduit applicant, so the money flows through the state; there is no separate SCDA fee published.

Submit applications to scbgp@scda.sc.gov by 5:00 PM EST October 16, 2026, using the USDA templates (project narrative, cost-share verification letter, partner-organization letter). SCDA forwards completed applications to USDA via Grants.gov by December 4, 2026. Estimated period of performance 9/30/2026–9/29/2029. See the USDA FY2026 NOFO.