Key Takeaways
- Approximately $340,000 in federal funding available through the Delaware Department of Agriculture 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on June 24, 2025, with a shortened 20-day submission window
- Eligible projects must support specialty crops and demonstrate measurable industry benefits
- Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000 for project terms of one to three years
- Past projects have focused on crop research, CSA expansion, wildlife deterrents, and local marketing initiatives
Competitive Grants Open for Delaware Specialty Crop Initiatives
The Delaware Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for its 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, offering a total of approximately $340,000 in funding through a competitive federal grant process. The initiative, funded under the U.S. Farm Bill, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the production, marketing, and distribution of specialty crops within the state.
Applications will be accepted until June 24, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. EST, with a shortened 20-day application period compared to previous years. The Department has acknowledged the compressed timeline and advised applicants to begin preparation early.
Funding Aims to Strengthen Specialty Crop Sector
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural crops, nursery products, and floriculture. Projects must benefit the broader specialty crop industry in Delaware and deliver measurable outcomes such as expanded market access or enhanced sustainability.
Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $75,000, and funded projects must be completed within one to three years. Proposals focused on field crops like corn or soybeans, or on animal agriculture, are not eligible for this program.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Agricultural producers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
- For-profit companies
- Educational institutions
Applicants must be based in Delaware or have a business or academic affiliation within the state. All proposed projects must align with USDA guidelines and benefit Delaware’s specialty crop sector as a whole.
Examples of Previously Funded Projects In Delaware
Past grant recipients have undertaken projects such as:
- Expanding community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs
- Conducting research on new specialty crop varieties
- Developing deer deterrent methods for crop protection
- Marketing campaigns to increase consumer awareness of locally grown specialty crops
Following submission, proposals will be reviewed by a grant evaluation committee. Selected projects will be incorporated into Delaware’s State Plan and submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for final approval.
Discover more about the opportunity here.
