OLYMPIA, Wash. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Washington state over $4 million to boost specialty crops in 2025.
This funding, through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program, aims to support plants used for food, medicinal purposes and decoration.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) received $4.2 million in grant funding for 19 projects.
Washington State University (WSU) is one of the beneficiaries, with grants supporting the WSU Bee Program to develop a video series on Varroa destructor management for beekeepers.
Other projects focus on enhancing food safety, improving produce quality and expanding markets for Washington’s specialty crops.
“The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is vital for the growth and sustainability of Washington’s diverse agricultural landscape. By supporting innovative research, market development and education initiatives, we can enhance the competitiveness of our specialty crops,” WSDA Director Derek Sandison SAID.
The USDA has supported Washington’s specialty crops for two decades, with the final project list announced earlier this month.
Requests for proposals for the 2026 grant cycle are open until October 15.
Interested parties can reach out to program manager Leisa Schumaker at Leisa.Schumaker@agr.wa.gov or 360-485-1255.
