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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $334,000 in funding awarded to Kentucky through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will fund projects that strengthen Kentucky’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Agriculture will fund six projects. Among the department’s projects, is funding to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation to develop educational materials for Spanish-speaking agricultural workers to increase efficiency, enhance worker safety, and promote increased profitability. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as indoor horticulture technology, marketing training, and small-scale urban farming.
“This funding from the USDA is a significant boost to Kentucky’s specialty crop industry, allowing us to strengthen our local food systems and support our farmers in new and innovative ways. By focusing on education, marketing, and safety, we’re ensuring that Kentucky’s specialty crops remain competitive and continue to thrive,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. “These projects will not only benefit our farmers but also enhance the quality and availability of fresh, local produce for all Kentuckians.”
The funding to Kentucky 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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