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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awarded a $4,913,037.63 Specialty Crop Block Grant to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) on September 30, 2024. This grant, under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170), aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Washington through activities such as marketing and promotion, research and development, and addressing production challenges.

The WSDA sub-awarded portions of the grant to several universities and organizations, including Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the Center for Produce Safety, to conduct research projects focused on improving food safety, pest management, climate resilience, and marketing for specialty crops like apples, blueberries, raspberries, and Christmas trees. These sub-awards total approximately $2.8 million and cover a 3-year performance period through September 2027.

The washington state 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 the state or territory. Performance evidence in the form of measurable outcomes is required.