Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for 2026 US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG).
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture. Most of New Jersey agriculture falls under the specialty crop category. This USDA grant is for agricultural organizations that represent multiple producers. Single organizations are encouraged to apply with other organizations collaboratively.

“The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is once again excited to extend this grant opportunity to our specialty crop producers and organizations", said Ed Wengryn NJ Secretary of Agriculture. “The Department sees the value of these federal dollars being directed to and used by the variety of specialty crops we raise here in NJ.”

To be eligible for a grant, projects must "enhance the competitiveness" of specialty crops and might include, but are not limited to: research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, "buy local" programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development and developing cooperatives.

Click here for the program information and application materials. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., May 14th, 2026. Publishing this request for proposals (RFP) does not commit the state to awarding any federal funds.

Applicants who do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of submission are encouraged to contact Billy Conners, NJDA Grants Coordinator, william.conners@ag.nj.gov.

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The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), established in 1916, serves New Jersey’s agricultural community and residents through a wide range of programs across its divisions that ensure the preservation and continuation of the state’s agricultural landscape.  NJDA works to ensure the safety and quality of New Jersey’s food supply, protect animal and plant health, and promote the overall long‑term viability of agriculture. The Department also connects consumers with New Jersey’s farmers and locally grown products while supporting the state’s diverse agricultural industry through initiatives of the Jersey Fresh program.  

For more information about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial; on Instagram @njdeptofagriculture; on X/Twitter @NJDA and @JerseyFreshNJDA; and on LinkedIn at New Jersey Department of Agriculture.