Program Updates
The 2026 SCMP grant application period is now open. Applications for Multi-State Partners to Participating States are due August 31, 2026, and for Participating States to AMS on October 16, 2026. Applications received after the due date will be subject to the AMS Policies and Procedures. For any questions related to SCMP, contact SAGPgrants@usda.gov
Program Purpose
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
Cost Sharing
The program requires cost share contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total Federal portion of the grant.
Project Area Types
Multi-state partners must develop projects that bring together teams for solutions to practical problems that cross State boundaries and address the needs of specialty crop growers in the areas of food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. All project area types are 3-year projects with funding ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000.
Available Funding
Approximately $14.3 million will be available to fund SCMP projects in FY 2026.
Eligibility
Entities residing in a participating state must apply through their State Department of Agriculture. Entities residing in a participating state are ineligible to apply directly to AMS.
Entities in a non-participating state may apply to AMS directly or choose to contact an adjacent participating state to apply on behalf of the entity.
All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
| Entity Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Participating States | State Departments of Agriculture that elect to submit proposals to AMS on behalf of interested entities as well as oversee the administration of awarded agreements. Note: AMS recognizes that some States may not have the resources for SCMP administration or have additional restrictions or requirements related to project costs, administration, or activities. Participating States may use Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) administrative funds to offset costs related to SCMP pre- and post-award activities. |
| Nonparticipating States | State Departments of Agriculture that do not elect to submit proposals to AMS on behalf of interested entities and will not oversee the administration of awarded agreements. |
| Entities in Nonparticipating States | Local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organizations residing in Nonparticipating States. Entities located in a Nonparticipating State would apply directly to AMS. |
Cost Sharing or Matching
This year’s applications must include a mandatory cost share from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions, equal to 25% of the amount of Federal funds being requested. Please review the Notice of Funding opportunity available on Grants.gov and the SCMP How to Apply site for additional details.
Funded projects
For more information, go to the SCMP Awarded Grants webpage.
Additional Resources
- What is a Specialty Crop?
- 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (pdf)
- Instructions for Participating States (pdf)
- Please refer to the How to Apply page for more information.
- AMS will be hosting webinars for applicants. For dates and registration instructions, visit our webinars page.