Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will distribute nearly $525,000 over three years to support the state's specialty crop industry through the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. This funding was authorized by the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.

"We are happy to once again be partnered with Illinois on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region's specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success."

Specialty Crop Block Grant funding is limited to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments.

"The 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds strengthen Illinois' specialty crop industry," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "These funds have been awarded to projects intended to expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce in both rural and urban communities. We are especially excited about the opportunity to provide crop education to school-aged kids. Hands-on learning, particularly hands-in-the-soil learning, is incredibly impactful on the next generation."

Projects were selected after a competitive review process involving the Illinois Department of Agriculture and an external review committee composed of representatives from the specialty crop industry, research, economic development, and producers.

Illinois prioritized applications for educational outreach in socially disadvantaged communities and research projects through public schools and universities. Of the eight awardees, two were first-time recipients.

The grant funds will be distributed as follows:

- Elawa Farm Foundation: $65,826 for accessible (bilingual and ADA adaptive) specialty crop education for youth and adults across Lake County.

- Freeport Student Garden: $43,047.76 for transitioning from conventional field cucumber and tomato production to high tunnel production.

- Fuller Park Community Development: $56,160 for creating a fresh food market accessible five days a week.

- Gardeneers: $41,965 for increasing knowledge, access, and consumption of specialty crops among 3,500 students in Chicago.

- Illinois Specialty Growers Association: $115,000 for offering educational programs through conferences and workshops.

- Southern Illinois University: $67,140 for developing UV-assisted washing technologies to improve food safety.

- University of Illinois: $64,679 for developing rapid methods for agricultural water testing.

- University of Illinois Extension: $70,442 for evaluating best practices across diverse soils and climates in ginger cultivation.

Additional information about the program can be found on the Department's website or by contacting AGR.ISCBG@illinois.gov.