Springfield, IL – More than $796,000 in grant funding is now available across Illinois to support farmers, nonprofits, and organizations working to expand access to fresh, locally grown food.
According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program open this week and must be submitted by noon on Friday, June 5, 2026. The program will run from September 30, 2026 through September 29, 2029.
The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is designed to strengthen Illinois’ specialty crop industry, which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture crops. State officials say priority will be given to projects that support beginning farmers, improve nutrition and health outcomes, and promote sustainability and conservation practices.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, trade associations, and colleges or universities. Projects must benefit the broader specialty crop industry rather than a single business or product.
“These grant funds help ensure that Illinois producers—especially small, beginning, and historically underserved farmers—have the opportunity to grow and succeed,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II.
Officials say proposed projects may focus on improving food safety, expanding organic production, enhancing pest and disease control, developing new crop varieties, and increasing access to healthy foods through education and distribution improvements.
Illinois ranks among the nation’s leaders in specialty crop production, with more than 3,200 producers generating nearly $500 million in annual sales. The state leads the country in pumpkin and horseradish production and ranks in the top 10 for several other crops.
More information and application materials are available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
