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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awarded a $356,200.70 Specialty Crop Block Grant to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170). The grant aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Louisiana through activities such as marketing and promotion, producer assistance with research and development, expanding access to specialty crops, and addressing regional and national challenges facing specialty crop producers.

As part of this grant, LDAF is collaborating with several sub-grantees, including The Walls Project, which is implementing the Hustle & Grow program to teach high school students about urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center is also conducting research on the properties and associations of Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes, in partnership with industry groups. Additionally, McNeese State University is collaborating with 4-H, FFA, food banks, and community organizations to research and promote watermelon and potato production. The grant has a performance period from September 30, 2024, to September 29, 2027.

The louisiana department of agriculture and forestry 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 the state or territory. Performance evidence in the form of measurable outcomes is required.