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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $663,000 in funding awarded to Maine through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (MDACF) will fund projects that strengthen Maine’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Maine 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 MDACF will fund eight projects. Among MDACF’s projects, is funding to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association to increase the number of Maine specialty crops farms in compliance with food safety requirements by offering training and financial resources. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as pest and disease management, sustainable cultivation, and climate-adaptive practices.
"The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is vital to the growth and sustainability of Maine’s agricultural sector. It provides necessary resources to support our farmers in diversifying their crops, improving their practices, and reaching new markets,” said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal.
“This program not only boosts our local economy but also ensures that our communities have access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops," said DACF Director of Agricultural Resource Development Michelle Webb.
The funding to Maine 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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