Jordan Beezley Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs | Official Website
Jordan Beezley Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs | Official Website
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has opened the application period for the 2026 growing season for producers and organizations working with specialty crops. Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program are being accepted in the form of concept proposals until February 17, 2025.
"Colorado is known for our specialty crops, such as peaches, melons, and potatoes, so this grant is a great opportunity for growers and researchers to innovate and try new things to increase the competitiveness of their crops," said Michele Meyer, CDA’s Senior Program Director for the Markets Division. "This federal funding has been instrumental in increasing the connection between consumers and Colorado agriculture."
The CDA administers this grant with funding from the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. The grants aim to boost competitiveness in marketing, promotion, education, research, trade, and nutrition related to specialty crops. Priorities include supporting future farmers and ranchers, reaching underserved communities, scaling up high-value agriculture opportunities, and promoting soil, water, and climate stewardship.
Eligible applicants include producer groups, organizations or associations as well as state or local organizations and educational institutions. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits along with horticulture and nursery crops.
The SCBGP will not fund projects that benefit only a particular commercial product or provide profit to a single entity. The CDA expects approximately $800,000 will be available this year with approved projects starting early in 2026.
Applicants must submit a concept proposal detailing their project ideas which will be reviewed by a committee. Selected proposals will be invited to submit full applications for inclusion in Colorado's state plan submitted to USDA.
A recording of an information session on the SCBG program can be viewed on both CDA's website and YouTube channel.
Concept proposals must be sent electronically by February 17 at 5:00 p.m. MST via email at cda_scbgp@state.co.us. Program guidelines are available on CDA’s Specialty Crops Block Grants webpage.
For more details about FY2024 group applicants please visit USDA's website or view relevant documents online.
Alerts Sign-up