By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $121 million investment aimed at addressing the key challenges faced by specialty crop and organic agriculture producers.
Of this amount, $70.4 million will support specialty crop production research, while $50.5 million is allocated to advance organic farming and improve the marketability of organic products.
This investment is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) initiatives to boost productivity and sustainability in these vital agricultural sectors.
Specialty crops, as defined by the Farm Bill, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist, highlighted the importance of specialty and organic crops in providing nutrition and promoting sustainable farming practices. USDA’s funding helps improve market competitiveness and access to healthy, nutritious foods for consumers.
Examples of funded projects include research at North Carolina State University to reduce labor costs in horticulture through automation, and efforts at Washington State University to develop climate-resilient strategies for apple and pear crops.
In organic agriculture, NIFA’s $50.5 million investment focuses on improving yields and market potential for organic producers. Projects funded through NIFA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program support both transitioning and established organic farmers.
For instance, a project at Pennsylvania State University will enhance the productivity of organic grains, while Michigan State University is working to develop bacteriophage tools to manage bacterial diseases in organic fruit production.
USDA's efforts continue to transform the U.S. food system, prioritizing resilience, fair markets, and sustainable agriculture practices to meet the demands of consumers and support rural economies.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National