Michigan specialty crops receive federal funding

Twenty-three projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Michigan’s specialty crops have received funding from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The grants, announced Oct. 17, have a maximum award of $125,000 each. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.

“Michigan specialty crops increase the diversity of the food and agriculture industry in the state and create more value per acre for Michigan farmers,” Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), said in a news release. “Thanks to the ongoing funding from USDA, Michigan’s farmers have greater opportunity to advance their research, be more competitive in the marketplace and create economic opportunities within the specialty crop sector.

“With more than 300 types of crops growing in Michigan, these grants provide avenues for innovations and improvements in local food access for all Michiganders.”

Projects range from promoting Michigan apples and asparagus to increasing state hop and beer quality.

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission received nearly $100,000 for irrigation research.

“We are happy to once again be partnered with Michigan on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” Jenny Lester Moffit, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, said in the release. “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.”

A list of grantees can be found online.