The USDA has allocated $495,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, earmarked for 12 distinct projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance the market presence, educational outreach, and research capabilities for the state's specialty crop sector, which includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery plants. Commissioner Rick Pate noted the sector's growth since 2019 and anticipates further expansion in production and market reach. This funding is part of a larger $72.9 million effort by the USDA to bolster specialty crops nationwide.
Projects receiving funding cover a broad spectrum, including efforts to bolster peach orchard health, extend strawberry production seasons, and introduce crops with high market value such as kiwifruit and frost-tolerant blueberries. Initiatives also focus on preparing for potential honeybee threats, supporting veteran farmers, and providing specialty crop education to schoolchildren. USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt highlighted the anticipated long-term benefits of these projects, which aim to ensure the availability of fresh, locally sourced crops and support for Alabama's farming community.
Source: AG Info