USDA Allocates $121M for Specialty Crops Research and Organic Agriculture Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a significant investment of nearly $121 million to propel research and Extension efforts aimed at addressing crucial challenges within the specialty crop and organic agriculture sectors. This investment includes $70.4 million allocated to bolster specialty crop production research nationwide, along with $50.5 million designated to support farmers and ranchers involved in producing high-quality organic food, fiber, and products.
Specialty crops encompass fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and various horticulture and nursery crops, as outlined in the Farm Bill. This funding forms part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative, recognizing the value and importance of these crops in enhancing nutrition, sustainability, and economic opportunities in food systems.
Moreover, NIFA’s investment in specialty crops complements the recent announcement of $82.3 million in grant funding through the Agricultural Marketing Service to boost the competitiveness of specialty crops and aid industry producers. Programs like the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant (SCMP) Program aim to expand markets, increase competitiveness, and improve consumer accessibility to specialty crops.
Highlighted projects under the Specialty Crop Research Initiative include a focus on developing sustainable solutions for labor efficiency in the nursery industry by North Carolina State University and addressing climate change impacts on apple and pear crops by Washington State University.
In addition to specialty crops, NIFA has allocated $50.5 million towards 30 organic agriculture projects under the Organic Agriculture Program, supporting research, education, and Extension initiatives to enhance yields, quality, and profitability for organic producers. These programs promote sustainable and healthy food systems while catering to the growing demand for organic products.
Notable projects funded through the Organic Agriculture Program include efforts to improve small grain productivity in organic grain systems by Pennsylvania State University and promote diversity in the organic industry through workforce development projects by The Organic Center for Education and Promotion.
Furthermore, projects funded under the Organic Transitions Program, such as soil health management guidelines for organic farmers in Wisconsin by the University of Wisconsin and investigating phage-disease dynamics for managing bacterial diseases on apple and cherry trees by Michigan State University, aim to support the transition to organic farming practices.
Overall, the USDA’s investments underscore its commitment to transforming America’s food system towards resilience, fairness, equity, and sustainability. By focusing on local and regional food production, equitable markets, and innovative solutions, USDA strives to create a more inclusive and representative agricultural landscape. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.
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Sophie Müller completed her studies at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, earning a degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in agroecology. Her research explored the interactions between crops and their environment, particularly in relation to organic farming systems. Sophie is now a research scientist, focusing on agroecological practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.