Funding will support more than 600 projects across 56 states and territories, including research, seed variety development, pest management and marketing initiatives.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $86.6 million in funding through its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.
Administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the funding will support approximately 609 projects across 56 states and territories, focusing on research, innovation, education and market development.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the $86.6 million investment will support 609 projects across 56 states and territories, focusing on innovation, marketing and research to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops, according to a press release.
Supporting Research and Crop Development
States and territories will distribute funding through subawards supporting producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural crops and nursery crops.
Projects will address industry priorities, including developing improved seed varieties, managing pests and diseases, strengthening food safety, expanding research and improving market access.
Projects Across the United States
Examples of funded initiatives include:
- Michigan: More than $2.64 million to support specialty crops, including apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, Christmas trees, herbs, mushrooms and grapes.
- Georgia: More than $1.7 million for two research projects, nine education and outreach projects, and two marketing projects supporting crops such as pecans, blueberries, peppers, strawberries, peaches, apples, Vidalia onions and citrus.
- Ohio: More than $800,000 to strengthen the competitiveness of apples, leafy greens, brassicas, herbs, maple syrup, honey and nuts.
- Pennsylvania: More than $1.1 million for research, education, outreach and marketing related to mushrooms, potatoes and apples.
- Texas: More than $2 million for projects supporting grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions and spinach.
- Florida: More than $4.3 million for research, education, outreach and marketing initiatives involving mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn and muscadine grapes.
- North Carolina: More than $1.5 million to support sweet potatoes, fir trees, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, canary melons and centipede grass seed.
The program aims to strengthen specialty crop production and marketing while supporting research and innovation throughout the supply chain.
