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| The US agricultural industry is looking to introduce specialty crops to new markets and consumers around the world. (Source: Getty Images) |
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just officially announced two new specialty crop programs.
This is considered the latest effort by the agency to encourage farmers to grow American specialty crops, including funding projects to open new markets and educating producers about the foreign food safety system.
The $72.9 million USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will primarily support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, while also assisting farmers and producers through marketing, education, and research.
The grant program will advance the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative, which has been in place since November 2023, by ensuring specialty crop producers and businesses have the tools they need to remain competitive, improve sustainability, and increase profitability, added Agriculture Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Affairs Jenny Lester Moffitt.
Meanwhile, USDA’s latest initiative this week on Specialty Crop Export Assistance will provide $65 million in funding for projects that help promote increased global exports and open new markets for the industry.
The initiative was introduced by both Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Affairs Alexis Taylor and Under Secretary Moffitt at a meeting with Michigan specialty crop producers.
Ms. Taylor also expressed confidence that the new initiative will also help introduce American specialty crops to new markets and consumers globally.
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