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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $824,000 in funding awarded to Nebraska through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will fund projects that strengthen Nebraska’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Agriculture will fund 15 projects. Among the department’s projects, is funding to the University of Nebraska to develop an online decision-support tool for vegetable growers that helps them access variety trial data and evaluate which varieties are likely to perform best on their farm. Additional funded projects focus on areas such as weed management, pest mitigation, and soil and nutrient management.
“Specialty crops add value and variety to Nebraska agriculture,” said Casey Foster, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Program Manager. “The funds we receive through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are an investment in Nebraska agriculture. These grants support innovative projects to help producers and consumers alike for years to come and will strengthen the ag industry in Nebraska.”
The funding to Nebraska 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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