The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $86.6 million for specialty crop projects, supporting research, food safety and market development across 56 states and territories.
Announced on October 13, the funding will reach approximately 609 state projects through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers the program, with states and territories providing subawards that address the needs of their growers and supply chains.
Research and routes to market
The awards cover fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. Funded work includes pest and disease management, improved seed varieties, food safety, nutrition education and efforts to reduce the cost of bringing crops to market.
The investment spans production and distribution, with research, education, outreach and marketing appearing across the announced state portfolios.
Where the funding is going
USDA highlighted seven state allocations. The amounts below are announced thresholds, and the crop lists describe the examples identified in the release.
| State | Funding | Crop focus |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Over $2.64 million | Apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, Christmas trees, herbs, mushrooms and grapes |
| Georgia | Over $1.7 million | Pecans, blueberries, peppers, strawberries, peaches, apples, Vidalia onions and citrus |
| Ohio | Over $800,000 | Apples, leafy greens, brassicas, herbs, maple syrup, honey and nuts |
| Pennsylvania | Over $1.1 million | Mushrooms, potatoes and apples |
| Texas | Over $2 million | Grapes, watermelons, pecans, onions and spinach |
| Florida | Over $4.3 million | Mangoes, blueberries, sweet corn and muscadine grapes |
| North Carolina | Over $1.5 million | Sweet potatoes, fir trees, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, canary melons and centipede grass seed |
Georgia’s allocation includes two research projects, nine education and outreach projects, and two marketing projects. Pennsylvania and Florida will also fund work across research, outreach and marketing.
What this means for growers
The announcement identifies funding awarded through state programs. Growers and industry groups can review the funded project list to understand which research and market initiatives cover their crops and regions.
Project details are available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Further information on agricultural grant programs is available from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
