Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA AMS TM SCMP G 26 0020
The Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP) 2026 is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The program is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S.-grown and U.S. territory-grown specialty crops by funding projects that operate across state or territorial lines. The core idea is to support partnerships that tackle issues affecting specialty crops at a regional or national scale, rather than work limited to a single state.
A key requirement is that projects must be built around a true multi-state partnership, meaning the work has to produce measurable outcomes that benefit at least two U.S. states and/or territories, and it can also involve nonprofit entities as partners. The emphasis is on collaboration and results that extend beyond one local area, such as shared tools, coordinated strategies, or scalable approaches that multiple states can use. Projects should clearly show how they will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic markets, foreign markets, or both.
The program’s priorities cover a broad set of specialty-crop challenges and opportunities. Examples of the types of issues the SCMP is intended to address include food safety improvements, responses to plant pests and diseases, research initiatives, crop-specific efforts that solve common problems across regions, and marketing or promotion strategies that increase demand or open new markets. The overarching theme is practical impact: the funded work should translate into stronger market position, better resilience, improved compliance, or more effective promotion for specialty crop industries that span multiple states or territories.
In terms of who can apply, eligibility includes state governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category). The funding instrument is a discretionary grant under CFDA number 10.170, and applications are submitted to AMS.
For FY 2026, the grant has an award ceiling of $1,000,000 per award, with approximately 20 awards expected. The opportunity was created on April 13, 2026, and the application deadline is October 16, 2026. The funding opportunity title is Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026, and the funding opportunity number is USDA AMS TM SCMP G 26 0020.Apply for USDA AMS TM SCMP G 26 0020
- The Agricultural Marketing Service in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.170.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-04-13.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-10-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP) 2026: FAQs
What is the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP) 2026?
The Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP) 2026 is a competitive discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). It funds projects intended to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S.-grown and U.S. territory-grown specialty crops through efforts that operate across state or territorial lines.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The main purpose is to support projects that improve the competitiveness of specialty crops at a regional or national scale. The program is focused on collaboration and measurable outcomes that benefit multiple states and/or territories, rather than work limited to a single state.
What does "multi-state" mean for this opportunity?
For SCMP 2026, "multi-state" means the project must be built around a true partnership and must produce measurable outcomes that benefit at least two U.S. states and/or territories. The core expectation is that results extend beyond one local area and can be used or applied across participating states or territories.
Does the project have to benefit more than one state or territory?
Yes. A key requirement is that the project must produce measurable outcomes benefiting at least two U.S. states and/or territories.
What kinds of partnerships are expected?
The program emphasizes a true multi-state partnership. Projects should show collaboration that leads to outcomes usable across states or territories, such as shared tools, coordinated strategies, or scalable approaches. Nonprofit entities can also be involved as partners.
Can nonprofit organizations participate?
Yes. Nonprofit organizations can be eligible applicants if they have 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education within that nonprofit category), and nonprofit entities may also participate as partners in multi-state projects.
Who is eligible to apply for SCMP 2026?
Eligibility includes:
- State governments
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category)
Which USDA agency administers this program?
The program is offered by USDA through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), and applications are submitted to AMS.
What is the CFDA number for this grant?
The funding instrument is a discretionary grant under CFDA number 10.170.
What is the funding opportunity title?
The funding opportunity title is Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is USDA AMS TM SCMP G 26 0020.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
For FY 2026, the award ceiling is $1,000,000 per award.
How many awards are expected to be made?
Approximately 20 awards are expected for FY 2026.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on April 13, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 16, 2026.
What types of projects does SCMP 2026 prioritize?
The program priorities cover a broad range of specialty-crop issues and opportunities. Examples mentioned include:
- Food safety improvements
- Responses to plant pests and diseases
- Research initiatives
- Crop-specific efforts that solve common problems across regions
- Marketing or promotion strategies that increase demand or open new markets
Do projects need to focus on practical, real-world outcomes?
Yes. The description emphasizes practical impact, with funded work expected to translate into stronger market position, better resilience, improved compliance, or more effective promotion for specialty crop industries that span multiple states or territories.
Is the program focused on domestic markets, foreign markets, or both?
Projects should clearly show how they will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic markets, foreign markets, or both.
Can a project be limited to one state if it has a strong concept?
No. The program is designed for projects operating across state or territorial lines and requires measurable outcomes benefiting at least two states and/or territories.
What is meant by enhancing the "competitiveness" of specialty crops?
Based on the program description, competitiveness refers to improving the market position and performance of specialty crops, including through improved compliance (such as food safety), better resilience (such as responses to pests and diseases), and stronger marketing or promotion that increases demand or expands market access across multiple states or territories.
What kind of scale is SCMP trying to support?
The program is aimed at regional or national scale impact. The focus is on solutions and outcomes that apply beyond a single local area and can be shared, coordinated, or scaled across multiple states and/or territories.
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| Specialty Crop Research Initiative Apply for USDA NIFA SCRI 011676 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SCRI 011676 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Farm Bill 2026 Apply for USDA AMS TM SCBGP G 26 0004 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM SCBGP G 26 0004 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Farmers Market Promotion Program Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for USDA AMS TM FMPP G 26 0005 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM FMPP G 26 0005 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Regional Food System Partnership Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for USDA AMS TM RFSP G 26 0006 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM RFSP G 26 0006 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Local Food Promotion Program Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for USDA AMS TM LFPP G 26 0004 Funding Number: USDA AMS TM LFPP G 26 0004 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 011858 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 011858 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $102,000 |
| Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA TCRGP 011697 Funding Number: USDA NIFA TCRGP 011697 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA RHSE 011696 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RHSE 011696 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program competition for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 Apply for USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448 Funding Number: USDA NRCS#8211NHQ VPA 26 NOFO001448 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 011656 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 011656 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $530,000 |
| Open Data Framework Apply for USDA NIFA OTHER 011816 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OTHER 011816 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $923,325 |
| Methyl Bromide Transition Program Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 011699 Funding Number: USDA NIFA ICGP 011699 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Apply for USDA NIFA OP 011738 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 011738 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Program for Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 011736 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 011736 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 011716 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 011716 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative - Research Grants Apply for USDA NIFA DAG2PI 32940 Funding Number: USDA NIFA DAG2PI 32940 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture-eRA Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative - Workshop Grants Apply for USDA NIFA DAG2PI 32942 Funding Number: USDA NIFA DAG2PI 32942 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture-eRA Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Supplemental and Alternative Crops Apply for USDA NIFA OP 011756 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 011756 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $460,000 |
| UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM Apply for USDA FAS MCGOVERN DOLE PROGRAM 26 001 Funding Number: USDA FAS MCGOVERN DOLE PROGRAM 26 001 Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $35,000,000 |
| Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA AHSI 011902 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AHSI 011902 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
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