Louisiana - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Louisiana over $356,000 in funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will utilize this funding to support projects that strengthen the state's specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.

According to USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt, "The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region's specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success."

The LDAF has identified five projects to receive funding, including the development of educational programs to help specialty crop farmers meet requirements for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) food safety certifications. Additionally, projects focusing on youth agricultural education and research will also receive funding.

"Specialty crops play an important role in Louisiana's agricultural landscape, and there is plenty of room to grow as the demand for locally grown food increases," said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. "These funds will allow new and unique opportunities for Louisiana farm families, all while enhancing the competitiveness of our specialty crops. These grants provide funding for research to enhance the quality and quantity of specialty crops and to develop new marketing opportunities. The department looks forward to implementing this program, which not only benefits specialty crop producers but consumers as well."

The funding to Louisiana is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2024 funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia through the SCBGP. The program supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. The USDA's support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production, expand markets, and ensure an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is available to all Americans.