The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grants. The application period will remain open until 10 a.m. on June 9, 2025, following notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Projects eligible for these grants are those aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop industries through research, education, or market development. DATCP encourages applications from non-profit organizations, producer groups, government agencies, universities, and other agricultural entities. Collaborations or partnerships between different entities are also welcome.

A competitive review process will be used by DATCP to select the most qualified projects. These selected projects will then be included in Wisconsin's state plan submitted to the USDA for approval and funding.

Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000 per project. Eligible expenses include compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials, and supplies. Work on selected projects is expected to begin in early 2026 after funding is received.

Information about the grant and application materials can be accessed online. Since its inception in 2007, the Specialty Crop Block Grant program has funded over 345 projects with more than $19.1 million allocated so far. Specialty crops covered by this program include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, herbs among others.