Prairie State Wire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has allocated over $544,000 to Illinois under the Fiscal Year 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This funding aims to boost the competitiveness of specialty crop products and open new market opportunities for producers in the state.

Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of this grant, stating, "Illinois farmers build the backbone of our state's number one industry—generating billions in revenue and making sure our families are fed." He noted that more than half a million dollars will be distributed across eight projects to support local producers.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton highlighted the program's role in ensuring fresh food availability: "In order for our residents to have fresh and nutrient-dense food at our tables, we must continue to invest in our state's number one industry."

USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt explained that this year's funding will address the needs of regional specialty crop producers while maintaining U.S. competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

Among the projects funded by the Illinois Department of Agriculture is $50,000 for Gardeneers' Growing Food + Equitable Justice Project, which collaborates with schools in underserved communities. Other initiatives focus on urban agriculture, disease control in cucurbits, and extending strawberry shelf life.

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, expressed pride in supporting specialty crop producers who contribute significantly to both state and national markets.

This allocation is part of a larger $72.9 million distribution across 54 states and territories under the SCBGP for FY 2023. The grants support various specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. The funding is backed by the 2018 Farm Bill and spans a three-year period starting September 30, 2023.

Since its inception in 2006, USDA has invested over $1 billion through nearly 12,000 projects aimed at enhancing marketing opportunities for U.S. specialty crops.

For further details on these awards: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Fiscal Year 2023 Description of Funded Projects - Farm Bill (usda.gov).