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Washington Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Industry-Specific · Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) · WA
The Washington Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a USDA-funded state grant administered by WSDA, offering $25,000 to $250,000 for projects that boost the competitiveness of Washington's specialty crops, open to Washington nonprofits, businesses, tribes, and government or academic entities.
The Washington Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a state-administered grant funded through USDA dollars and managed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). It supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops — fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery products, and similar crops — grown in Washington State. Funding is provided as a grant, not a loan, meaning recipients do not repay the money.
Awards typically range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project, and funded projects can run for up to three years. Eligible applicants include Washington nonprofits, for-profit businesses, government entities, tribes, and colleges or universities that propose projects focused on marketing, research, or improving market access for specialty crops.
This program matters to small business owners in Washington's agricultural sector because it can fund initiatives such as market research, promotional campaigns, supply chain improvements, or other efforts aimed at growing demand or efficiency for specialty crops. Because the funding source is a federal-state partnership, the application process is competitive and structured as a two-phase concept-proposal system, with new rounds typically opening each fall.
Applicants should confirm the current deadline, exact award amounts, and detailed eligibility requirements directly with WSDA, as these details can change from year to year. The program is administered entirely through the state agency's official grant portal, and interested businesses should monitor that site for the announcement of each year's application window.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, funded by USDA and administered by WSDA; it does not need to be repaid.
Who runs this program?
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers it using USDA funding.
How much money can I get?
Awards typically range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project, for projects lasting up to three years.
Who is eligible to apply?
Washington nonprofits, for-profit businesses, government entities, tribes, and colleges/universities running specialty crop competitiveness projects.
What states can apply?
The program is limited to applicants and projects in Washington State.
What kinds of projects are funded?
Projects focused on marketing, research, or improving market access for specialty crops.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by year; check the current round at the official WSDA site.
How do I apply?
Submit a concept proposal through WSDA's two-phase process, typically opening each fall.
Is the award amount guaranteed to stay the same each year?
No, confirm the current award amount and terms at the official source, as they may change annually.
Do I need to repay this funding?
No, this is a grant and does not require repayment.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source or with a tax professional.
Where can I find the official application?
At https://agr.wa.gov/services/grant-opportunities/specialty-crop-block-grant-program.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.