USDA Announces $275 Million in Grants for Specialty Crop Growers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $275 million in grant funding for the specialty crop industry for fiscal year 2026. This funding aims to support research, education, marketing, and innovation for farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops. The grants will be distributed through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the Specialty Crop Multi State Program. These programs are designed to help farmers address challenges such as pest management, climate change, and food safety, while also promoting mechanization and automation technologies.