USDA invests in specialty Crop research for (i) improving crop characteristics through plant breeding, genetics and genomics, (ii) addressing threats from pests and diseases, (iii) improving production efficiency, productivity and profitability…

United States Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced 28 grants to solve specialty crop agriculture issues through research and extension activities through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. “The specialty crop industry plays an important part in American agriculture and is valued at approximately $50 billion every year,” says Merrigan. “These projects will help provide specialty crop producers with the information and tools they need to successfully grow, process and market safe and high-quality products.”

NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) awarded more than $46 million through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, established by the 2008 farm bill to support the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address the needs of specific crops.

Funded projects address five focus areas:

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