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HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania received $915,758 in federal funds for 10 projects to increase the visibility, quality, and competitive standing of the state's specialty crops, including fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and nuts. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received an additional $94,363 to administer the program, bringing Pennsylvania's total award to more than $1.01 million.
The funds are a portion of $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
"Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers, and other specialty crops," said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.. "Investments like this keep our growers at the top of their field, in demand by consumers, and at the cutting edge of technology to stay ahead of disease, pest, and climate threats. These investments demonstrate that the Shapiro Administration is working with Biden Administration to keep Pennsylvania farms feeding the world."
"We are happy to once again partner with Pennsylvania on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region's specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success."