USDA Invests $86.6 Million to Boost U.S. Specialty Crop Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an $86.6 million investment in grant funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding will support 609 state projects across 56 states and territories, designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. The projects aim to improve food safety, support research, develop new seed varieties, combat pests and diseases, and educate communities on healthy eating.