2026 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP)

About this program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is soliciting proposals for the 2026 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP), a USDA AMS federal grant funding collaborative multi-state projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery/floriculture); awards range from $250,000 to $1 million per project for up to three years. Eligible applicants include specialty crop producer associations, state agencies, Tribal governments, universities, nonprofits, and other stakeholder organizations, and each proposal must include at least two substantively involved multi-state partners located in different states. The program requires cost-share equal to 25% of the federal grant portion, applications must use USDA‑AMS forms and include all checklist elements, and proposals are due electronically to grants@cdfa.ca.gov by 1:59 pm PDT on August 31, 2026. CDFA does not charge fees for grant applications or awards and applicants should report any solicitations requesting payment.