The florida department of agriculture and consumer serviceswill enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers…

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services received a $3.8 million Specialty Crop Block Grant from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170) for the period of September 30, 2021 through September 29, 2024. The grant funds will be used to enhance the competitiveness of Florida's specialty crops through marketing and promotion efforts, assisting producers with research and development, expanding availability and access, and addressing challenges facing specialty crop producers. One sub-award of $100,000 was provided to the University of Florida to support crop research. Performance outcomes will be required to demonstrate the impact of funds. The grant aims to benefit residents across all U.S. states, territories and Washington D.C. by supporting Florida's specialty crop industry.

The florida department of agriculture and consumer serviceswill enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers through a variety of activities/projects with their grant recipients. Beneficiaries include the residents of all 50 states, 5 territories, and the district of columbia. Performance evidence in the form of measurable outcomes is required.