$1 Million in Grants for New York Under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Part of $49 Million in Grants Across the Nation

Glens Falls, NY, Oct 16 - Today, Congressman Scott Murphy applauded the announcement of more than $1 million in grants for New York State farms provided through the Department of Agricultures’ Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

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This week, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced 55 grants totaling approximately $49 million for 745 projects throughout the country to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

Upon reviewing states' plans for funding, USDA selected projects that support local and rural agriculture interests, increase the competitiveness of small producers, and promote or create direct marketing opportunities for specialty crop producers. New York State will be receiving $1,098,809.97.

“This relief will be critical for specialty crops across the nation as our farmers face unprecedented challenges during these tough economic times,” said Rep. Murphy. “I applaud Deputy Secretary Merrigan and look for forward to continuing to work with the USDA and our specialty crop farmers to ensure that they can continue in their role as a core part of our economy and community.”

Funds will be used by the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, according to their plans submitted to USDA that describe how the state agency will carry out the program. Summaries of all awards can be viewed at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is meant to increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems; assist all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing Good Agricultural, Good Handling and Good Manufacturing practices, including cost share arrangements for funding audits of small farmer, packer and processor systems; invest in specialty crop research; enhance food safety; develop new and improved specialty crop varieties; eradicate pest and plant health issues; and foster organic and sustainable production practices.

The 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides for increases and flexibility for USDA programs in an effort to promote local foods. Consumer demand for locally grown food in the United States is expected to rise from an estimated $4 billion in 2002 to as much as $7 billion by 2012.

Source: Congressman Scott Murphy