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

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded the Delaware Department of Agriculture $341,861.97 on September 30, 2025, under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, promotion, research and development, and expanded access for producers statewide.

The award funds two research projects and six education and outreach projects targeting leafy greens, carrots, peaches, herbs, peppers, watermelons, peonies, strawberries, and tomatoes across Delaware. Activities include leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops, expanding availability and access, and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers through projects executed with sub-award recipients.

The period of performance runs from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2028. Work is performed in Delaware.

The delaware 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. The state's sub-awards include 2 research projects and 6 education and outreach projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops including leafy green, carrots, peaches, herbs, peppers, watermelons, peonies, strawberries, and tomatoes throughout the state of delaware.