The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced 19 grants totaling $36.5 million for research and extension to support American farmers growing fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture. The grants are funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the investments will help “address challenges at the national and local levels to help sustain all parts of America’s food and agriculture system.” The funded projects address research and extension needs that span the entire spectrum of specialty crops production. To date, USDA has awarded almost $400 million through the specialty crops program.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.