Rep. Cardoza, USDA Announce Specialty Crop Grants

October 15, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza today joined with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in announcing $49 million in grants for specialty crops, such as those grown in Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties.

California – a significant producer of more than 350 different fruits, vegetables and tree nuts – will be awarded $16.3 million through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. In previous years such crops have not received significant recognition in the Farm Bill.

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The grants will provide funding to address a host of agricultural issues in California. Among them are food safety, research, programs to advance exports, water-and-soil recharge and pest control management. The grants also provide funding for a host of partnerships with UC Davis and UC Merced.

“We worked very hard to make this funding available,” said Congressman Cardoza, who chairs the Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. “For far too long, California’s crops have not received their due recognition. This is a great day for California agriculture. I could not be more pleased to see the many long hours we spent working on this legislation in Washington producing direct tangible results for California farmers.”

California Farm Bureau Federation President Doug Mosebar praised the announcement and Cardoza’s efforts in the 2008 Farm Bill. He said the grants allow farmers to help themselves while at the same time providing a continuous source of fresh produce to consumers.

“The specialty crop funding is very important to California,” said Mr. Mosebar. “It provides multiple benefits in the form of research funding, nutrition, advancing trade opportunities, and creating incentives for conservation practices. It’s singly important because it helps farmers and ranchers to help themselves. For over 50 years, California has led the nation in food production. The specialty crop programs will help us advance programs to maintain that leadership position for years to come.”

Source: Congressman Dennis Cardoza