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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $383,000 in funding awarded to Utah through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) will fund projects that strengthen Utah’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Utah 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, UDAF will fund six projects. Among UDAF’s projects, is funding to Utah State University to evaluate potentially useful hybrid wine and table grapes for their overall suitability in the Northern Utah climate. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as soil health, conservation irrigation, and introducing new varieties.
“The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is grateful for the ongoing support of the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Through this funding, our department is proud to provide opportunities for farmers, food processors and distributors, agricultural researchers, and other organizations dedicated to strengthening Utah's specialty crop industry,” said Commissioner Craig Buttars of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. “This year, we are pleased to support projects that will increase specialty crop education for the public and beginning farmers. In addition, funded projects will support the marketing efforts of local farmers markets, evaluate the suitability of specialty crops for the Utah climate, and further the reach of these specialty crops across the state. Utah has a vested interest in ensuring the continued success of these operations, and funding from programs like this are one way we can provide meaningful financial support to the producers we depend upon.”
The funding to Utah 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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