In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $648,631 to South Carolina through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding will be used by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to support projects aimed at strengthening the state’s specialty crop industry in areas such as marketing, education, and research. Specialty crops include products like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
“Our state’s specialty crop farmers grow the food we eat, and they’re always adapting and innovating to push the industry forward,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “This funding will help farmers navigate changing markets, find new customers, and sustain their farming operations for future generations.”
The grant will support several initiatives. These include cost-share grants that help farmers with expenses related to cold storage and value-added packaging. There is also a program from the South Carolina Food Systems Network designed to build stronger connections between specialty crop farmers and chefs by organizing regional conferences and gatherings that aim to increase both consumption and awareness of specialty crops in South Carolina.
Clemson University will use part of the funding for research projects focused on improving leafy greens’ quality and shelf life, optimizing pesticide use, addressing various plant diseases, and enhancing food safety practices. Additionally, small fruit growers in South Carolina will have access to conferences and webinars offering networking opportunities and educational resources.
A complete list of funded projects can be found at ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.
More information about Specialty Crop Block Grants in South Carolina is available at agriculture.sc.gov/grants.
