The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $270,000 in funding awarded to Rhode Island through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management – Division of Agriculture (RIDEM) will fund projects that strengthen Rhode Islands’ specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Rhode Island 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, RIDEM will fund four projects. Among RIDEM’s projects, is funding to improve yields of tropical specialty crops for immigrants in Rhode Island. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as youth education, marketing, and pest and disease management training for farmers.
“DEM is always working to connect consumers with RI Grown food to support Rhode Island farmers, food businesses, and our environment,” said Rhode Island DEM Director Terry Gray. “The SCBGP funding supports local specialty crop growers and promotes the long-term viability of our state’s agriculture by supporting DEM’s efforts to raise consumer awareness of fresh and delicious RI Grown produce.”
The funding to Rhode Island 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.
Source : usda.gov