AL Receives $495K in Specialty Crop Block Grants

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I’m Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

The USDA has awarded $495,000 to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to support 12 projects through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These projects aim to boost the competitiveness of Alabama’s specialty crop growers, focusing on marketing, education, and research for crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery plants.

Commissioner Rick Pate highlighted the growth of Alabama’s specialty crop industry since 2019, expressing excitement about expanding production and markets. The grant is part of a broader $72.9 million USDA initiative to support specialty crops across the U.S.

Among the funded projects are efforts to improve peach orchard health, extend the growing season for strawberries, and introduce high-value crops like kiwifruit and frost-tolerant blueberries. Other initiatives include preparing for honeybee threats, supporting veteran farmers, and educating schoolchildren about specialty crops.

USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt emphasized the long-term benefits of these projects, ensuring continued access to fresh, locally grown crops while supporting Alabama’s farmers.

Visit this USDA website to view a summary of the 2024 awarded grants: https://agi.alabama.gov/2024/09/specialty-crop-block-grant-program-projects-announced/