Minnesota Department of Agriculture Boosts Local Agriculture with $1.2M USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants
In a bid to fortify the competitive edge of Minnesota-grown specialty crops, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has proudly allocated over $1.2 million in 2023 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants across 11 impactful projects.
What Are Specialty Crop Block Grants?
These grants, part of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, serve as catalysts for projects targeting marketing, research and development, accessibility expansion, and overcoming challenges faced by specialty crop producers. The goal? To elevate these crops in both domestic and foreign markets.
Defining Specialty Crops
USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, floriculture, and processed products with over 50% specialty crop content by weight (excluding added water).
Anticipating 2024 Grants
Looking ahead, the USDA Block Grant, provided annually under the Farm Bill, sets the stage for applications to open in January 2024. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage and be part of this dynamic initiative.
For further insights and to explore more about the grant program, visit the MDA website. Join us in supporting and promoting the vibrancy of Minnesota’s diverse agricultural landscape!
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