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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $480,000 in funding awarded to Tennessee through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture will fund projects that strengthen Tennessee’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Agriculture will fund 11 projects. Among department’s projects, is funding to expand the Kids Power of Produce (POP) Club to five farmers markets located in Williamson and Davidson Counties, providing children the opportunity to sample, purchase and interact with specialty crops available at each location. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as frost prevention, food safety, and farmer training.
“This grant program supports Tennessee's specialty crop producers by boosting their competitive edge,” Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has the potential to enhance production, marketing, and profitability for farmers statewide.”
The funding to Tennessee 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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