The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service 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). This 3-year grant, running from September 2024 to September 2027, aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Louisiana through marketing, promotion, research, expanding availability and access, and addressing local/regional challenges faced by specialty crop producers.
The grant funds several sub-awards, including: 1) $123,000 to The Walls Project to train high school students in specialty crop production at the Baton Roots Community Farm; 2) $119,000 to McNeese State University to research and promote watermelon and potato production in collaboration with 4-H, FFA, food banks, and community groups; and 3) $119,000 to the LSU Agricultural Center to study the properties of Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes for use in products like sweet potato french fries, partnering with industry groups.
Generated 4/1/25, 4:26 AM