The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is inviting specialty crop producers and producer groups to weigh in on funding priorities for the upcoming 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This is a valuable opportunity for Indiana’s vegetable growers to help shape how these resources are directed.
The SCBGP is a federally funded program designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined broadly as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural and nursery crops, including floriculture. Funded projects must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole rather than a single operation. ISDA is currently accepting input across three funding areas:
Funding Area I: Market Enhancement
Funding Area II: Access, Education, and Training
Funding Area III: Research
Growers are encouraged to complete a short survey to share their priorities and concerns, including local, regional, and national challenges facing the industry. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete. The survey deadline is Sunday, March 29th. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard in decisions that could directly support Indiana’s specialty crop sector.