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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $243,000 in funding awarded to the District of Columbia through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the DC Department of Energy and Environment’s (DOEE) Office of Urban Agriculture (OUA) will fund projects that strengthen the District’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with the District of Columbia 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 Department of Energy and Environment will fund four projects. Among OUA’s projects, is supporting the Building Bridges Farms, a network of urban farms across Wards 7 and 8. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as nutrition education, gardening instruction, and huitlacoche production.
“DOEE’s Office of Urban Agriculture is so pleased to welcome this program into our portfolio. The SCBGP is an incredible opportunity to partner with the USDA to expand the breadth and depth of District urban agriculture and provide the residents of the District with a healthier, greener and more sustainable future,” said Richard Jackson, DOEE Director.
The funding to the District of Columbia 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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