USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced more than $62.5 million in grants to support farmers growing specialty crops. The projects include research, agricultural extension activities and programs to increase demand and address the needs of America's specialty crop industry.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), administrated by AMS, awarded grant funds for 693 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Under the Obama Administration, AMS has awarded SCBGP grants totaling $455.5 million for 6,138 projects, including those announced Monday.

The grants are issued to state departments of agriculture for projects that help support specialty crop growers, including locally grown fruits and vegetables. (Photo: moodboard/Thinkstock)

"The Obama Administration has placed a strong emphasis on healthy eating, and specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables play an important role in this effort,” said AMS Administrator Elanor Starmer. “The grants announced today will help ensure that our specialty crop sector remains competitive, has the resources it needs to solve challenges, and can meet Americans’ growing demand for these products. This is important for our farmers and rural communities as well as for all American consumers."

The grants are issued to state departments of agriculture for projects that help support specialty crop growers, including locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The SCBGP supports a range of projects, which help build the capacity of communities to produce and market specialty crops locally and regionally. According to industry estimates, the value of local food sales grew from $5 billion in 2008 to $12 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2019

For additional grant information on the awards, visit the AMS website.

Source: USDA AMS