Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
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WASHINGTON, August 23, 2023—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded over $1.3 million in Fiscal Year 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Arizona. With this grant, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) will fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop products and create new market opportunities for the state’s specialty crop producers.
“With this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant funding, Arizona is investing in innovative projects that will help address the needs of specialty crop producers within the region,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The funded projects will also further USDA’s efforts to ensure U.S. specialty crop products remain competitive in markets across the nation and abroad.”
Through the SCBGP, the AZDA will fund 19 projects. Among AZDA’s projects, is funding to the University of Arizona to evaluate the use of new UV-C light technology for the sanitization of specialty crop harvesting and processing environments. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as the development of sustainable growing methods, pest management, and education programs for new and beginning farmers.
“The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is an important collaboration between state and federal governments and Arizona’s agricultural producers. I see it as one of the best ways we have to support Arizona’s specialty crop industry, thanks to the ability of local Arizonans to guide the selection of projects that will have the most impact here in our state. Providing these grant funds will enhance the competitiveness of Arizona specialty crops by addressing challenges confronting Arizona specialty crop producers through research and development projects; leveraging marketing and promotion efforts to educate consumers and children about the abundance of specialty crops grown in Arizona; and expanding availability of and access to specialty crops. Arizona specialty crop producers and consumers will greatly benefit from these efforts, and the Arizona Department of Agriculture is pleased to facilitate these awards,” said Paul E. Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
The funding to Arizona is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2023 SCBGP funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The SCBGP funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets, ensuring an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops, which are vital to the health and well-being of all Americans.
The funding for the SCBGP grants is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and FY2023 funding is awarded for a three-year period beginning Sept. 30, 2023. Since 2006, USDA has invested over $1 billion through the SCBGP to fund nearly 12,000 projects that have increased the long-term successes of producers and enhanced marketing opportunities for U.S. specialty crops products.
More information about these awards is available on this webpage: 2023 SCBGP Awarded Grants (pdf).
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