The arizona department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts by assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops…

The Arizona Department of Agriculture was awarded a $1,483,057.60 Block Grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170). The grant will be used to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Arizona over a 3-year period from September 2024 to September 2027. Key activities include assisting specialty crop producers with research and development, educating consumers about Arizona-grown specialty crops, expanding availability and access to specialty crops, and addressing challenges facing Arizona's specialty crop producers. The grant will be executed through sub-awards to various entities, including research institutions, universities, and local agricultural organizations, to conduct specialized research, develop agricultural technologies, improve crop production techniques, and create marketing strategies.

The arizona department of agriculture will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts by assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops educating consumers (adults and children) about specialty crops grown in arizona expanding availability and access to specialty crops and addressing challenges confronting arizona specialty crop producers through a variety of activities projects with their grant recipients. Beneficiaries include specialty crop producers and consumers in arizona. Performance evidence in the form of measurable outcomes is required.