The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced this year’s recipients of Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds.
The 2017 grants will fund 20 projects managed by WSDA in partnership with other organizations. Washington ranks second behind California in production of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops and floriculture.
The awards range from $75,000 to $250,000 and will go to commodity commissions, agricultural associations, nonprofit organizations, Washington State University and WSDA. WSU received seven of the grants, while six went to commodity commissions.
Among the notable grants are:
- $250,000 The Center for Produce Safety for development of rechargeable antimicrobial antifouling plastics for bins and totes.
- $230,155: WSU for studying pre- and postharvest parameters to enhance gray mold management in pome fruit.
- $200,000: Grow Food dba Viva Farms for improving incubator models for beginning specialty crop producer success.
- $177,808: WSU for evaluation of cost effective technologies for cider apple orchard mechanization and fruit quality.
- $176,000: Washington State Fruit Commission (Good Fruit Grower) for development of Spanish language safety and horticulture information for workers in the the tree fruit industry.
- $75,000: Washington Apple Commission for Apple Industry Videos.
Source: goodfruit.com
