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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $1.4 million in funding awarded to Texas through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will fund projects that strengthen Texas’ specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Texas 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 Texas Department of Agriculture will fund nine projects. Among the department’s projects, is funding to Harvest for the Hungry, Inc. to implement a training program for underserved and beginning farmers to combat food insecurity by providing culturally relevant, nutritious specialty crops. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as marketing, crop management strategies, and pest and disease management.
"TDA’s been working hard to boost the Texas specialty crop market," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. "Thanks to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, we're able to ramp up our support for the dedicated producers who make it all possible. From delivering top-tier educational resources to unlocking new industry opportunities, this funding isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer for Texas agriculture."
The funding to Texas 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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