The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that $49 million in specialty crop block grants are available for application.

"This program is one of the key specialty crop components of the Farm Bill.  The announcement today represents nearly a five-fold increase in funds from last year.  It will fund innovative projects from all 50 states and U.S. territories that benefit the specialty crop sector," said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.

One of the most significant victories for the U.S. fruit and vegetable industry in the 2008 Farm Bill was the conversion of this important program from being dependent on annual appropriations to securing mandatory funds for the life of the 2008 Farm Bill. That victory resulted in an increase from $7 million in appropriated funds to $49 million for FY2009. This amount will increase to $55 million in the next fiscal year and remain at that level through the life of the bill.

Since the passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, United Fresh has worked with the Department of Agriculture to implement this program in the most efficient manner possible to benefit America's produce industry. As a member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, United Fresh has commented on the Administration's proposed rule for the program, worked with industry participants and consulted with state departments of agriculture to ensure that the program builds on its success for many years to come.

Grant applications must be received no later than August 26, 2009, and the grant announcement can be viewed here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12094.htm.