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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $356,000 in funding awarded to Louisiana through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will fund projects that strengthen Louisiana’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Louisiana 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, LDAF will fund five projects. Among LDAF projects, is funding to develop educational programs to help specialty crops farmers meet requirements for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) food safety certifications. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as youth agricultural education and research.
“Specialty crops play an important role in Louisiana’s agricultural landscape and there is plenty of room to grow as the demand for locally grown food increases. These funds will allow new and unique opportunities for Louisiana farm families, all while enhancing the competitiveness of our specialty crops,” said the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “These grants provide funding for research to enhance the quality and quantity of specialty crops and to develop new marketing opportunities. The department looks forward to implementing this program, which not only benefits specialty crop producers but consumers as well.”
The funding to Louisiana 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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