Cantwell Supports Fruit Industry

Cantwell Supports Fruit Industry. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

Senator Maria Cantwell yesterday announced critical support for Northwest Washington growers to help boost crop yields and sales. USDA awarded $3.2 million in Specialty Crop Block Grants to support agricultural research and export promotion for Washington state crops, including blueberries and raspberries, sweet cherries, pears, wine grapes, dry beans and apples. Lacy Gray has more.

GRAY: The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awarded grants for 24 projects across Washington state. Specific grant projects that will support Northwest Washington agriculture jobs include:

·         Increasing sales of Northwest pears in Southern China with educational programs about pears’ nutrition and usage;

·         Educating cherry growers on effective methods for controlling pests and diseases;

·         Expanding acreage of white wine grapes by identifying water requirements and optimal irrigation techniques.

·         Identifying the demand and market opportunity for blueberries in South Korea, China and Vietnam;

·         Increasing blueberry yields by developing more effective means to control pests; and,

·         Reducing crop losses and lowering production costs for red raspberries.

Thanks Lacy. The Farm Bill’s current extension is expiring on September 30 – just five days from today – making these the last round of specialty crop grants unless Congress acts. Washington State is also the third highest recipient of Specialty Crop Block Grants in the nation behind California and Florida.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.