USDA announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding awarded to Louisiana

Contact Info Public Affairs PA@usda.gov (202) 720-8998

WASHINGTON, August 23, 2023 —The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded over $355,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Louisiana. With this grant, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop products and create new market opportunities for the state’s specialty crop producers.

“With this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant funding, Louisiana is investing in innovative projects that will help address the needs of specialty crop producers within the region,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The funded projects will also further USDA’s efforts to ensure U.S. specialty crop products remain competitive in markets across the nation and abroad.”

Through the SCBGP, LDAF will fund five projects. Among LDAF’s projects, is a Louisiana State University Agricultural Center field and laboratory study on the effects of soil fertility and microclimate management practices on the growth of high-quality tea plants. Additional funded projects will research the effects of manure usage on soil health and food safety, the application of organic friendly antimicrobial agents, and the effectiveness of cold plasma on reducing pathogens.

"Agriculture is at the center of what we do here in Louisiana, and our specialty crops play an important role in our agricultural landscape. The Specialty Crop Block Grant funds are a great tool to boost the competitiveness of Louisiana specialty crops through marketing and promotion, research and development, expanding availability and access, and addressing challenges confronting our producers," remarked the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. "Through this project, we aim to develop research opportunities for our specialty crops, ensuring our farmers receive the tools they need to continue growing Louisiana's agricultural industry. Projects include objectives such as evaluating food safety indicators, researching soil health and fertility regarding specific specialty crops, reducing postharvest deterioration while maintaining market quality for certain crops, and many others. These projects will lead to overall success for Louisiana specialty crop farmers by bringing together science, engineering, technology, and agriculture."

The funding to Louisiana is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2023 SCBGP funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The SCBGP funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets, ensuring an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops, which are vital to the health and well-being of all Americans.

The funding for the SCBGP grants is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and FY2023 funding is awarded for a three-year period beginning Sept. 30, 2023. Since 2006, USDA has invested over $1 billion through the SCBGP to fund nearly 12,000 projects that have increased the long-term successes of producers and enhanced marketing opportunities for U.S. specialty crops products.

More information about these awards is available on this webpage:  2023 SCBGP Awarded Grants (pdf) .

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