The new hampshire department of agriculture, markets and food will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food $296,051.74 on September 30, 2025, under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (CFDA 10.170) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, development, marketing, and outreach activities.

The recipient will execute five sub-award projects spanning two research initiatives, two education and outreach projects, and one marketing project targeting apples, pumpkins, radicchio, squash, and various fruits and vegetables throughout New Hampshire. These activities address local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers while expanding availability and access to specialty crops across the state.

The grant period runs from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2028, with performance occurring in New Hampshire. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds state agricultural departments to strengthen the competitiveness of specialty crops through leveraged marketing and promotion efforts, producer support for research and development, and solutions to sector-wide challenges. Awards are structured as three-calendar-year grants selected through a three-step merit review process involving initial qualification screening, technical peer review, and administrative review by AMS.

The new hampshire department of agriculture, markets and food 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, 2 education and outreach projects, and 1 marketing project to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops including apples, pumpkins, radicchio, squash, and various fruits and vegetables throughout the state of new hampshire.