Date: Thursday, August 25, 2022
Contact Info
Public Affairs
PA@usda.gov
(202) 720-8998
WASHINGTON, August 25, 2022—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded over $2.1 million in Fiscal Year 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Michigan. This USDA grant will help the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research.
“USDA applauds Michigan’s continued commitment to supporting our nation’s producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The projects funded will foster innovative research and new market opportunities within the specialty crop sector, while furthering USDA’s goals of creating a more fair and equitable food system and supporting local and regional producers.”
Through the SCBGP, MDARD is funding 22 projects. Among the projects, is funding awarded to the Michigan Bean Commission to enhance consumer awareness of the health benefits of incorporating nutrient dense dry beans in their daily diet. The organization will use conventional and digital strategies to educate consumers. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as disease management, marketing, and pest management.
"Michigan is home to a wide variety of specialty crops, from asparagus to onions to potatoes. Our food and agricultural industry is unique and innovative," said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. "I'm thrilled that USDA continues to support Michigan producers through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These investments will allow for more innovative research and new market opportunities in Michigan's specialty crop sector."
The funding to Michigan is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2022 SCBGP funding awarded to 55 states, territories and the District of Columbia. The SCBGP funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets, ensuring an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops, which are vital to the health and well-being of all Americans.
The funding for the SCBGP grants is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and FY2022 funding is awarded for a three-year period beginning September 30, 2022. Since 2006, USDA has invested more than $953 million through the SCBGP to fund 11,331 projects that have increased the long-term successes of producers and broadened the market for specialty crops in the U.S. and abroad.
More information about these awards is available on this webpage: 2022 SCBGP Awarded Grants (pdf).
###