Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that $610,350 in federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding has been allocated to seven projects in Virginia aimed at supporting the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds research and development initiatives related to fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture, including nursery and floriculture crops. Eligible applicants include agricultural associations, producer groups, localities, community organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) prioritised proposals focused on supporting transitions into specialty crop production, improving farm income through value-added activities, expanding market opportunities, and establishing pilot or demonstration programs with potential for broader application.
According to Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, the funded projects cover research on crop varieties, disease management, production systems, and market development.
Funded projects include:
Cleaner Water, Healthier Crops
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Researchers will test floating treatment wetlands and other methods to reduce Phytophthora capsici contamination in irrigation water. Findings will be shared through grower outreach and extension materials.
Grow Your Own training program
Appalachian Sustainable Development, Duffield
The project will provide beginner and intermediate growers with raised beds, seeds, tools, technical assistance, site visits, and training events for specialty crop production.
Clubroot management in brassica vegetables
Virginia Tech, Eastern Shore AREC, Painter
The team will evaluate irrigation water risks, test disease control strategies, and assess cabbage cultivars for susceptibility to clubroot through field trials and water sampling.
Soilless strawberry production assessment
Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Beach
Researchers will study substrate-based strawberry production using blends of peat, bark, biochar, perlite, and wood fiber, and share results through field days and publications.
Plant growth regulator applications in apples
Virginia Tech, Winchester AREC
The project will investigate plant growth regulator strategies to balance apple coloration, pre-harvest drop, and post-harvest quality.
IPM program for cabbage and broccoli
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Research will focus on integrated pest management approaches, including mating disruption, to reduce insecticide use and manage diamondback moth populations.
Evaluating Bok Choy for controlled environment agriculture
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville
Trials will test Bok Choy cultivars in hydroponic systems and nutrient solutions to assess suitability as a controlled-environment crop for small- and mid-sized producers.
For more information:
Peter Finocchio
Governor Glenn Youngkin (Virginia)
Email: [email protected]|
www.governor.virginia.gov
