The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has been awarded $332,336.26 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state.
The funds will be used to support projects that improve product production and labeling, diversify markets, and develop new and unique opportunities for Kentucky farm families.
One of the projects funded by the grant is a project by the University of Pikeville to utilize abandoned coal mine infrastructure for sustainable mushroom cultivation. This project will assess the potential for growing regional specialty mushrooms in abandoned coal mines.
Another project funded by the grant is a project by the Kentucky Equal Justice Center to work with members of the Kentucky Food Action Network (KFAN) to support the establishment of sustainable Food is Medicine practices across Kentucky. This project will lead to a decrease in food insecurity and increase in positive health outcomes.
The remaining projects funded by the grant are:
• $50,339.06 - A project by the University of Kentucky to define best production practices for fortified wines made from “Norton” grapes.
• $47,614.11 - A project by Kentucky Ag Development Advocacy to train specialty crop producers by implementing a curriculum that addresses the needs of beginning and historically underserved farmers for long-term sustainability of fruits, vegetables, and culinary herb crops.
• $43,761 - A project by Rootbound Farm and New Roots, Inc., to collaborate to bring fresh Kentucky Proud “farm shares” to families facing food insecurity in the traditional “off season” months of November - January.
• $25,109 - A project by the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association through its Certified Kentucky Honey Producers program to improve product labeling for Kentucky honey consumers and expand honey production in Kentucky.
• $17,155.26 - A project by the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture to research varieties of Ribes that are more resistant to White Pine Blister Rust and Mildew limiting potential disease issues for Eastern Kentucky growth.
• $17,155.26 - A project by the University of Kentucky, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, to test if specific plant natural products can suppress the microbial rotting of fruits and vegetables increasing the shelf life of products naturally.
The funding for the SCBGP grants is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and FY2023 funding is awarded for a three-year period beginning Sept. 30, 2023. Since 2006, USDA has invested more than $1 billion through the SCBGP to fund nearly 12,000 projects that have increased the long-term successes of producers and enhanced marketing opportunities for U.S. specialty crops products.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-amphawan-chanunpha
Categories: Kentucky, Crops