Funds distributed through the Specialty Crop Block Grant and Multi-State Grant Programs will support marketing, research, and development projects across 65 recipients nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the allocation of $82.3 million in grants aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery products across the United States. These funds will be distributed to 65 recipients under two key USDA programs: the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program (SCMP). Both initiatives are part of broader efforts by the USDA to support local producers and improve consumer access to fresh, locally grown produce.
The awarded grants, made possible through the 2018 Farm Bill, are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The SCBGP will distribute $72.9 million among 54 states and territories, supporting a wide array of initiatives from marketing and education to research and conservation efforts. On the other hand, the SCMP will allocate $9.4 million to 11 projects focusing on regional or national issues affecting specialty crops, with an emphasis on collaborative multi-state partnerships.
According to a USDA press release, these grants are essential in building resilience within the food system. “This funding will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and more,” stated Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. She emphasized that the programs align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s objectives of creating a more robust and equitable food system, providing producers with enhanced market opportunities and aiding local communities.
The SCBGP primarily supports local projects that focus on specific areas such as food safety improvements, environmental sustainability, seed variety advancements, and pest management strategies. Since its inception, the SCBGP has provided over $1 billion in funding for more than 12,400 projects across the country, significantly contributing to the growth and innovation of the specialty crop sector.
The SCMP, on the other hand, targets issues that require multi-state collaboration, such as regional research and marketing strategies. Since 2015, this program has allocated more than $29 million to 40 projects, addressing nationwide challenges and fostering partnerships between states. One of the most recent projects funded under this program involves a collaboration between Oregon State University, the University of California Davis, Kelp Line LLC, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This partnership aims to explore the cultivation of Pacific dulse seaweed as a sustainable and nutritious specialty crop.
Other notable initiatives funded through these grants include the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Farm2Food Accelerator, which, in collaboration with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and Union Kitchen, will provide a 15-week program aimed at helping female specialty crop producers and food entrepreneurs expand their businesses into new markets. Additionally, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board plans to use its grant to promote locally grown asparagus through a combination of in-store promotions, educational events, and digital marketing efforts targeting both in-person and online grocery shoppers.
These projects are just a snapshot of the many initiatives receiving support from USDA’s specialty crop programs. The grants not only aim to boost the visibility and competitiveness of specialty crops but also address critical research needs and foster innovation in the sector.
More detailed information about the projects supported by the SCBGP is available through individual state and territory press releases, which can be accessed on the SCBGP 2024 Grant Awards webpage.
By strategically investing in both local and collaborative initiatives, the USDA continues to play a vital role in promoting the specialty crop industry, ensuring that American consumers have access to diverse, high-quality produce while supporting the livelihoods of farmers and producers across the nation.
