The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry announced on March 20 that it is accepting applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
The program aims to support projects that improve the competitiveness of Louisiana-grown specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops. At least $350,000 is expected to be allocated for Louisiana projects in this grant cycle.
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. Eligible applicants include producer associations, state or local organizations and governments, qualified educational institutions, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in specialty crops. The department said that single organizations or individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners but cannot receive funds solely for their own benefit or profit. Projects should address industry-wide issues like distribution, production research, pest control, market development, nutrition education, food safety promotion, and more.
Applicants must reside in Louisiana or have an organization based in the state. All applicants are required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier number for their application. After the deadline passes, applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry stakeholders who will make funding recommendations to the department before a consolidated state grant request is submitted to the USDA.
The department has published detailed instructions and guidelines for applicants at its website. A full list of eligible specialty crops can also be found online. The agency obtains funding through grants such as this program to enhance crop competitiveness according to the official website. It preserves agricultural traditions and supports local economies through assistance for farmers according to the official website.
The department manages conservation efforts like those at Alexander State Forest in central Louisiana according to the official website, serves as a state agency within Louisiana’s executive branch according to the official website, and supports sectors contributing about $11.7 billion annually to Louisiana’s economy through agriculture and forestry endeavors according to the official website. Its mission includes exceeding standards in agriculture while promoting food safety and natural resource management according to the official website. The agency advances agricultural efforts by protecting food safety and managing economic contributions from these sectors while providing services such as wildfire control and regulatory oversight according to the official website.
For more information about applying for this grant program or related resources, interested parties may contact Assistant Director Kelly Ransome at (225) 922-2903 or SCBG@ldaf.state.la.us.
