Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded Specialty Crop Block Grants to 12 projects across the state. The goal of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of Iowa-grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, honey and other specialty crops through research, education and market development.
“Iowa’s specialty crops bring variety and diversity to our state’s agriculture, from fruits and vegetables to honey, flowers, nuts, wine and so much more. These Specialty Crop Block Grant projects will help farmers expand markets, connect more consumers with Iowa-grown products, and spark new ideas that strengthen this important sector,” said Secretary Naig. “As Choose Iowa continues to grow, the Department will have even more ways to support specialty crop farmers and showcase Iowa grown, made and raised products.”
Annual funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is authorized by the Farm Bill and provided through a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture. Iowa’s allocation this year amounted to nearly $370,000.