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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $1.4 million in funding awarded to Georgia through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will fund projects that strengthen Georgia’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Georgia 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 Georgia Department of Agriculture will fund 12 projects. Among the department’s projects, is funding to the University of Georgia to optimize and accelerate citrus nursery production by developing scientifically-based practices focused on propagation methods, lighting, and irrigation strategies. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as marketing though tradeshows and farm tours, pest management, and increasing knowledge of mechanization practices.
"The SCBGP award will help fund projects that support Georgia's specialty crop industry, which plays a significant role in making Georgia one of the nation's top producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture crops,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "I look forward to seeing the results this dynamic group will achieve as we work together to enhance Georgia's specialty crops' competitiveness on both national and international stages."
The funding to Georgia 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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