Ten projects focused on supporting specialty crop producers recently received funding through the specialty crop
block grant program funded by USDA. More than $1.25 million was awarded.

Specialty crops represent tremendous opportunities for North Carolina farmers, and we have seen production increase for specialty crops and interest in growing them increase.

• Some examples of specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, turfgrass and sod, Christmas trees and nursery and greenhouse crops
• Projects focusing on microgreens and truffles are also included in this year’s funding cycle.
• Ten projects from universities, nonprofits and commodity associations received over $1.25 million in funding.
• Recipient projects focus on improving pest and disease management practices for tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, Fraser fir Christmas trees and truffles.
• One project includes outreach and education resources for grapes and wine, and others looking to expand the market for specialty crops and underserved producers.
• Funding will go for six projects at N.C. State University, one project at North Carolina A&T State University, one project with Carolina Farm Stewardship, and one project with both the N.C. Potato Association and the N.C. Sod Association.
• The money for this comes from USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program with the department managing the application and distribution for the program.
• I know this funding will be put to good use to help increase production and marketing opportunities for specialty crop growers.