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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $495,000 in funding awarded to Alabama through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Alabama on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region’s specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success.”
Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the ADAI will fund 12 projects. Among ADAI’s projects, is funding to Auburn University for Operation Grow, a program that provides sustainable support to veterans starting farming careers within the state. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as garden education programming for K-5th grade students, marketing through social media and tradeshows, and research into frost-tolerant blueberry cultivars.
The funding to Alabama is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2024 funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production, expand markets, and ensure an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is available to all Americans.
View more information on the 2024 SCBGP Awarded Grants (pdf).
AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.
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