Specialty Crop News

Specialty Crop News

Specialty Crop News. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report.

Specialty crops. They're not your mainstream commodities like wheat or corn but fruits and vegetables, honey, mint, nuts and more. Yesterday, USDA awarded more than $113 million in program grants to support farmers growing specialty crops. The Ag Networks, KayDee Gilkey has more.

GILKEY: Farmers' will have access to a portion of the grant money through research, agricultural extension activities, and programs to increase demand and address the needs of America's specialty crop industry. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said 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. In addition to the USDA money, Agricultural Marketing Service is awarding $63 million to 755 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program projects nation-wide including nearly $2.7 million for Washington State University in Pullman.

Thanks, KayDee. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is also changing the name of the Fruit and Vegetable Program to the Specialty Crops Program effective immediately.  Because of the expansion of products covered, the program name is being changed to be more inclusive. The name change will not have an effect on operations.  No staff changes or reorganization will occur as a result of the change.

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

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