Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a federally funded initiative designed to bolster the state’s diverse agricultural sector. The program, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, offers grants to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Iowa-grown specialty crops, ranging from fruits and vegetables to tree nuts and flowers. This year, eligible applicants – including Iowa-based agencies, universities, producers and community organizations – can apply for grants of up to $30,000.
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the opening of the application period on February 19, 2026, emphasizing the program’s role in supporting innovation and increasing consumer access to locally sourced products. “The growth of Iowa’s specialty crop sector reflects what we’re hearing from consumers across the state,” Naig said, according to a press release. “People want more locally grown fruits, vegetables, and horticulture products, and they want to know the farmers behind the food.” The program aligns with the state’s “Choose Iowa” initiative, which aims to promote and celebrate Iowa-grown foods and beverages.
What Qualifies as a Specialty Crop?
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program focuses on crops that are not considered traditional commodity crops like corn and soybeans. Eligible specialty crops include a wide variety of produce, such as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, and floriculture. Notably, livestock and poultry are specifically excluded from eligibility under the program’s guidelines. The funding is intended to support projects that improve yields, increase demand, or raise awareness of these specialty crops within Iowa and beyond.
How the Grant Program Works
The program is funded through the Farm Bill, with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service allocating funds to each state for sub-awards. In Iowa, funded projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the broader specialty crop industry, enhancing its overall competitiveness. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will review applications and select projects based on their potential impact and alignment with program goals. The application deadline is 4 p.m. On March 27, 2026. Interested parties can find more information and access application materials at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website.
Review Committee Nominations Open
Alongside the grant application process, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is also seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Review Committee. According to the department, they are looking for qualified individuals active in the specialty crop industry, academia, and the public sector to evaluate and recommend funding for submitted proposals. Reviewers will need knowledge of specialty crops and/or grant writing and management experience, and must be able to dedicate the necessary time to the review process. The position is a volunteer role, and reviewers are prohibited from submitting proposals for which they are listed as the Principal Investigator even as serving on the committee. However, they can review proposals for grants they’ve already submitted.
Office Hours Available for Applicants
To assist potential applicants, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship hosted office hours on Tuesday, February 10, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Via Google Meet. While that session has passed, the department provides a range of resources for applicants, including guidelines, performance measure information, and templates for project profiles. These resources are available on the department’s website.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program represents a significant investment in Iowa’s agricultural diversity, supporting producers and fostering innovation within the state’s growing specialty crop sector. The program also complements other grant opportunities available to Iowa farmers, such as the Choose Iowa Grant Programs and USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grants.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will announce the selected grant recipients later this year. Organizations interested in learning more about the program and accessing application materials are encouraged to visit the program’s website.
Share your thoughts on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and its potential impact on Iowa agriculture in the comments below.
