The massachusetts department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research…

The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture will receive $457,684.38 under a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The grant period is from September 30, 2021 through September 29, 2024. Funding will support efforts to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Massachusetts through activities such as marketing and promotion, research and development relevant to specialty crops, and addressing challenges facing specialty crop producers. Deliverables may include expanded availability and access to specialty crops in the state. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.

The massachusetts department of agriculture will 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.