The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) grant is designed to support research and outreach projects that address significant challenges in the specialty crops industry. This includes both conventional and organic food production systems. The program encourages innovative, system-based approaches to solve industry problems.
Who it's for: This grant is open to a wide range of applicants, as it is unrestricted. It's ideal for organizations and institutions involved in agricultural research and extension activities, particularly those focusing on specialty crops.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to integrate research and extension activities (except for Planning Projects)
- Lack of cost sharing or matching funds
- Proposals that do not address multi-state or regional challenges
- Projects that do not use a systems approach
- Applications submitted after the deadline
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Evidence of cost sharing or matching funds
- Plan for integrating research and extension activities
- Documentation of multi-state or regional impact
- Systems approach outline
- Organizational information
- Budget plan
- Timeline for project implementation
- Letters of support or collaboration
- Registration with relevant federal systems (e.g., SAM.gov)
Cautions
- Cost sharing or matching funds are required.
- Projects must integrate research and extension activities.
- Focus on multi-state or regional challenges is important.
- Ensure proposals are submitted by the deadline.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
The grant is open to any eligible entity as it is unrestricted. This includes universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and other entities involved in agricultural research and extension activities. The focus should be on specialty crops and addressing challenges of national, regional, or multi-state importance.
Overview
This grant is open to a wide range of applicants, as it is unrestricted. It's ideal for organizations and institutions involved in agricultural research and extension activities, particularly those focusing on specialty crops.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to integrate research and extension activities (except for Planning Projects)
- Lack of cost sharing or matching funds
- Proposals that do not address multi-state or regional challenges
- Projects that do not use a systems approach
- Applications submitted after the deadline
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to support research and extension activities that address key challenges in the specialty crops industry. This includes developing innovative solutions and systems approaches to improve food production systems.
Total Program Funding
$175,000,000
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Apr 13, 2026
- Deadline
- Jun 15, 2026(2 days)
- Archive Date
- Jul 15, 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Fall 2026
Application Checklist
- Register with SAM.gov
- Develop a detailed project proposal
- Secure cost sharing or matching funds
- Plan for integrating research and extension activities
- Outline a systems approach
- Gather letters of support or collaboration
- Prepare a budget plan
- Submit application by the deadline