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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $299,000 in funding awarded to New Hampshire through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food (NHDAMF) will fund projects that strengthen New Hampshire’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with New Hampshire 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, NHDAMF will fund five projects. Among NHDAMF’s projects, is funding to the New Hampshire Beekeepers Association to support beekeepers by improving integrated pest management practices and increasing scientific literacy, education, and outreach. Additional funded projects focus on areas such as technology innovations in specialty crop production, disease management, and marketing.
“New Hampshire looks forward to maximizing the impact of the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant award through the research and education that it will support. Each year, these grants help ensure our agricultural community has the resources to adapt and thrive,” said NH Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, Josh Marshall.
The funding to New Hampshire 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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