17 projects address unique challenges facing U.S. produce.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the distribution of $121 million to support research for specialty crops and agriculture producers. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, which present unique challenges to farmers growing them on a mass scale. This latest round of agricultural funding will go to 17 projects focused on troubleshooting these challenges.
“We know specialty and organic crops add nutrition to our diets and value to sustainable agriculture systems,” said USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Chavonda Jacobs-Young. “These crops also play a vital role preserving cultural heritage and enhancing economic opportunities across local, regional and global food systems, making them great competitive funding investments that target some of the most difficult challenges facing specialty crop and organic producers nationwide.”
Examples of the funded projects include a team researching potential automation solutions for nursery crop production. Another team is exploring new strategies to mitigate extreme weather fluctuations in apple and pear orchards.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary Jacobs-Young to be led by the Lord as she oversees the Office of Research, Education, and Economics at the USDA.
- For Secretary Vilsack and USDA officials as they seek to support and assist specialty crop growers and producers.
Sources: Department of the Agriculture
