What counts as a specialty crop?
USDA uses a defined category for specialty crops that generally includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The exact definition used by a program is spelled out in its rules, so confirm that your crop is covered.
Crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton are handled under different programs, which is why specialty growers often hear that a program does not apply to them.
Because many specialty crops are perennial or high-value, a single bad season can have lasting effects. That is one reason risk tools and records matter so much.
How does the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program work?
The Agricultural Marketing Service runs the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which gives funds to state departments of agriculture to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The AMS page explains the program and links to state contacts.
That means individual growers usually do not apply to USDA directly. Instead, the state agency sets priorities and runs its own process, and growers, groups and universities can apply to the state for project funding. Contact your state department of agriculture to learn about local deadlines.
Ask your state agency how it announces project calls and whether it holds information sessions. Some states post early notices to a mailing list.
What conservation help is available?
NRCS conservation programs are open to specialty crop producers, and practices such as irrigation efficiency, high tunnels, cover crops and pest management are common examples. Funding and available practices vary by state and year.
Ask your NRCS office about practices that match your operation and how ranking works in your area.
Fruit and vegetable growers sometimes have to coordinate conservation work with food safety rules. Ask staff how the two fit together.
What about risk management?
Crop insurance availability depends on the crop and county, and not every specialty crop has a specific policy. The Risk Management Agency lists available products, including options for diversified farms. FSA also has disaster and noninsured crop programs that may apply when no insurance is offered.
Talk to a crop insurance agent early in the year. Coverage often needs a history of production records, and sales closing dates apply.
- Ask whether your crop and county have an insurance policy
- Ask about coverage designed for diversified or whole-farm operations
- Ask FSA about noninsured crop options if insurance is not offered
- Keep production and sales records for every crop
How do I find marketing and market access programs?
AMS also supports local and regional food systems, marketing and food safety programs, which can matter to specialty growers selling direct or to institutions. Program names and funding change, so check the AMS site for what is open now.
State agriculture departments, extension and grower associations often know about food safety training and marketing grants that never make national headlines.
Food safety certification and audits can be expensive for small growers. Ask whether any program supports training or cost sharing.
How should a grower prepare?
Get your records in order, register your farm with FSA, and keep a calendar of insurance and reporting dates. Write a one-page description of your operation, including crops, acreage, markets and needs. When you meet an agency or apply for a grant, that page saves time and helps staff match programs.
Ask grower groups and extension specialists to review applications, and give yourself time for any registrations.
If you sell to schools, stores or restaurants, keep copies of contracts and invoices. Buyers and programs may ask for them.
What should I be careful about?
Do not count on a grant that has not been awarded, and do not pay anyone who promises to get one for you. Check every opportunity on the AMS, NRCS or state agency site. Ask about reporting duties before you accept funds, because grant reporting can be demanding for small operations.
Keep your crop list, acreage and yields in a simple record from year to year. That history supports insurance, loans and grants alike.
Key takeaways
- Specialty crops generally include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops, and program definitions vary.
- The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds states, so growers typically apply through their state agency.
- NRCS, RMA and FSA programs are open to specialty growers, but crop and county details matter.
- Keep production and sales records and register your farm with FSA.
- Verify opportunities on official sites and never pay for a promised grant.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.