Kentucky Opens Application Window for Specialty Crop Grant Program to Boost Market Competitiveness
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has announced the opening of the application period for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Kentucky's specialty crops in both domestic and international markets. According to Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, the program seeks proposals that creatively increase the market presence of these crops. Eligible applicants include private companies, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and quasi-governmental entities such as public universities. The program will not fund projects that benefit a single commercial product or entity. Funding priorities for 2026 focus on pest and disease control, specialty crop research with an emphasis on conservation and environmental outcomes, improving distribution efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing food safety. Additional areas of interest include sustainability efforts, development of improved seed varieties, better handling and manufacturing pr... 
