Washington receives $4.3m in federal specialty crop grant funds
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds, including $4.3 million for Washington state.
Funding Specialty Crop Block Grant
Washington ranks second in the nation behind California in production of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops and floriculture.
Awards for individual projects range from $55,000 to $300,000 and will go to agricultural commodity commissions, agricultural associations, non-profit organizations, Washington State University and WSDA. WSU is the grant recipient for nine of the projects.
This year, pears and apples, berries, nursery, lentils, potatoes, and projects to enhance food safety are among the funded projects. ■
