By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has received $345,544.81 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), part of a nationwide $79.2 million investment aimed at expanding opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and specialty crop growers.
These funds will help KDA support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Kentucky while providing growers with resources in marketing, education, and research.
“Specialty crops make up a significant part of Kentucky’s agricultural economy and through these grants the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is pleased to be able to provide assistance to our producers to grow that production,” said Kentucky Department of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.
“The specialty crop program is intended to help make Kentucky specialty crops more competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. These funds will allow new and unique opportunities for Kentucky farm families.”
Under the SCBGP, KDA is funding six projects across the state:
- $62,000 - The Kentucky Horticulture Council, in collaboration with Kentucky Fresh Harvest, will launch the Appalachian Protected Agriculture Alliance, a multi-state nonprofit supporting greenhouse and vertical farm specialty crop producers across 13 states in the Appalachian region.
- $62,000 - Southern Kentucky Floral Exchange will work to boost awareness and consumption of Kentucky-grown specialty cut flowers, expanding production, sales, and distribution through consumer education, networking, and marketing efforts.
- $53,000 - The University of Kentucky Specialty Crops Team will develop advanced disease management tools to help growers transition to organic production or incorporate biological and biorational products into conventional pest management systems.
- $53,000 - The University of Kentucky will evaluate and create seed production recommendations for perennial cut flower crops suitable for commercial production in the mid-South.
- $44,000 - A partnership between Need More Acres Farm and regional health departments will promote consumption of Kentucky-grown specialty crops among individuals at risk for diabetes in South Central Kentucky.
- $44,000 - The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) will enhance its Find-A-Farm Directory and launch a marketing campaign to increase awareness and demand for local and organic produce.
Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, SCBGP grants have invested more than $1 billion since 2006, supporting over 13,000 projects that improve marketing opportunities and long-term success for U.S. specialty crop producers.
This investment reinforces Kentucky’s commitment to strengthening its specialty crop industry and supporting local farm families.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Government & Policy