USDA awards $113 million to support specialty crop production, grow opportunities for rural communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $113 million in program grants to support farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops, also known as "specialty crops," through research, agricultural extension activities, and programs to increase demand and address the needs of America's specialty crop industry.

Today's announcement is part of a USDA-wide effort supporting President Obama's commitment to strengthening local and regional food systems. These grants are administered by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"Increasing market opportunities for local food producers is a sound investment in America's rural economies, while also increasing access to healthy food for our nation's families," Vilsack said. "These investments will support local and regional markets, and improve access to healthy food for millions of children and supply thousands of farmers markets, restaurants and other businesses with fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. The grants also help growers solve technology needs or make better informed decisions on profitability and sustainability, leading to stronger rural American communities and businesses."

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is awarding $63 million to 755 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program projects nation-wide. The grants are issued to State departments of agriculture for projects that help support specialty crop growers, including locally grown fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops, including floriculture through research and programs to increase demand. Since 2009, AMS has awarded 385 grants totaling $392.9 million for 5,484 projects, including those announced today.

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