By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major investment in the specialty crop sector, awarding $86.6 million through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding will support hundreds of projects that help growers improve competitiveness, increase market access, and encourage innovation.
Administered by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, the program will fund approximately 609 projects in 56 states and territories. These projects will benefit producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticultural products, and nursery crops.
USDA says the funding is intended to address important industry needs while supporting long-term growth. Projects receiving support will focus on a wide range of priorities, including food safety improvements, agricultural research, educational outreach, pest and disease management, crop development, and marketing initiatives.
“Today I am proud to announce USDA will be investing more than $86 million across 56 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins.
She added, “These 609 state projects represent the Trump Administration’s commitment to innovation, marketing, and research—ensuring specialty crop businesses are at the forefront of markets all around the world. Putting farmers first will continue to drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of rural communities across America.”
Many of the funded projects will explore new technologies and production practices that can improve crop quality and farm profitability. Research efforts will help identify solutions to challenges such as disease pressure, pest management, and changing production conditions.
Educational programs supported by the grants will provide information and resources to growers and communities. Marketing projects will work to increase awareness of specialty crops and create stronger connections between producers and consumers.
State-level funding will address local priorities and support key specialty crops throughout the country.
Michigan will receive more than $2.64 million for projects involving apples, asparagus, blueberries, beans, mushrooms, herbs, grapes, and Christmas trees. The funding is intended to strengthen production and improve commercial opportunities.
Georgia will invest more than $1.7 million in projects focused on a variety of specialty crops including pecans, peaches, apples, blueberries, strawberries, peppers, Vidalia onions, and citrus. Projects include research, education, outreach, and marketing efforts.
In Ohio, more than $800,000 will support apples, leafy greens, brassicas, herbs, honey, maple syrup, and nut-related projects aimed at improving industry competitiveness.
Pennsylvania's allocation of more than $1.1 million will support education, marketing, and research projects involving mushrooms, potatoes, and apples.
Texas will use over $2 million to help improve competitiveness for growers producing grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions, and spinach.
Florida will receive more than $4.3 million to support projects connected to mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn, and muscadine grapes, while North Carolina will invest over $1.5 million in projects benefiting sweet potatoes, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, canary melons, fir trees, and centipede grass seed.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps ensure that specialty crop producers have access to the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. The program also strengthens partnerships among growers, researchers, educators, and industry organizations.
By funding innovation, research, and outreach activities, USDA aims to create new opportunities for specialty crop producers while helping consumers gain greater access to fresh and nutritious foods. The latest round of funding highlights the continued importance of specialty crops within the U.S. agricultural economy and the role they play in supporting farm businesses nationwide.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National