The Illinois Department of Agriculture will distribute more than $796,000 over the next three years to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce and strengthen the state's specialty crop sector, officials said. An application will be available this week on the IDOA website and must be returned to the department by noon on June 5, 2026. $796,000 available
The awards are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and will support projects that increase competitiveness, food access and sustainability. The grant period runs from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2029, a 3-year program aimed at multi-year project planning and implementation. The department will allocate funds across multiple competitive awards rather than single-organization grants.
"These grant funds help ensure that Illinois producers—especially small, beginning, and historically underserved farmers—have the opportunity to grow and succeed," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. He said the funding is intended to strengthen local food systems, expand access to healthy products, and drive innovation across the specialty crop industry.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local and state government entities, trade and commodity associations, and public and private colleges and universities. Projects that benefit beginning farmers and first-time specialty crop producers are a state priority; a beginning farmer is defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation. Applicants should design projects that deliver public benefits rather than profit a single commercial product or person.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Illinois has more than 3,200 producers growing specialty crops on over 83,000 acres and generates nearly $500 million in annual specialty-crop sales. The state ranks first nationally in pumpkin and horseradish production and places in the top ten for asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens and lima beans.
Funding priorities
The Department listed priority project areas that address industry challenges and public outcomes, including:
Enhancing food safety and FSMA compliance capacity across the supply chain.
Developing Good Agricultural Practices, Good Handling Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices and cost-share for audits for small farms, packers and processors.
Investing in specialty-crop research with conservation and environmental outcomes.
Supporting organic specialty-crop production and development of improved seed varieties.
Improving pest and disease control, and increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.
Improving distribution efficiency and reducing costs.
Projects that exclusively benefit a single commercial product or provide profit to one organization are ineligible; farmers’ markets and CSAs should consider the USDA Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program for other funding. For more information or to request the application packet, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture website or contact [email protected]. Applications must be returned by noon June 5, 2026, and the grant program runs Sept. 30, 2026 through Sept. 29, 2029. June 5, 2026 deadline
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