The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced on May 5 that more than $796,000 in grant funding will be distributed over the next three years to support the state’s specialty crop industry. The funds, made available through the United States Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, aim to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce and improve competitiveness in the sector.
This initiative is intended to benefit beginning farmers, enhance nutrition and health outcomes, and promote sustainability and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government entities, trade associations, commodity groups, and public or private colleges and universities. Applications are due by noon on June 5. The program period will run from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2029.
“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. “Our goal is to strengthen local food systems, expand access to fresh, healthy products, and drive innovation in Illinois’ specialty crop industry.”
According to program guidelines outlined by IDOA this year’s priorities include projects focused on educational programming for specialty crops; connecting these crops with nutrition or health outcomes; promoting food safety; supporting research into conservation or environmental impacts; growing organic crops; developing new seed varieties; improving pest control; increasing consumption among children and adults; as well as making distribution more efficient.
Projects benefiting only a single organization or product are not eligible for this funding. Instead such proposals should be directed toward other USDA programs like the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program. Specialty crops are defined by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts,
dried fruits,
and horticulture or nursery crops including floriculture.
There are more than 3,
200 producers dedicating over 83,
000 acres in Illinois for specialty crop production,
generating nearly $500 million annually in sales for state farmers.
Illinois leads nationally in pumpkin and horseradish production while ranking among the top ten states for asparagus,
cauliflower,
fresh-cut herbs,
peas,
mustard greens,and lima beans production.
The department advances public service by supporting farmers,promoting a strong agricultural economy,and protecting consumers,according to its official website.
