The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conjunction with the Biden-Harris Administration, has announced two significant investments aimed at bolstering the U.S. specialty crops sector. A total of $65 million will be allocated for projects under the newly launched Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.
According to a press release by the USDA, the ASCE initiative is expected to expand the specialty crop sector into new markets and increase its global exports. In addition to this new initiative, the USDA also revealed an additional $72.9 million in grant funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This program is designed to issue noncompetitive grants to state departments of agriculture with an aim to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
"The innovative projects funded through this year's USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will help U.S. specialty crops producers remain competitive, open new market channels, and increase the consumption of specialty crops products," said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA. She further stated that "the grant program also furthers the goals of USDA’s Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative – ensuring that specialty crops producers and businesses have the resources they need to remain competitive in markets across the world while improving the sustainability and profitability of their operations. Programs like these are key components of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to support American agricultural producers and rural America by transforming our food system from one that benefits a few to one that benefits many."
In another press release by USDA, it was reported that specialty crop exports totaled $24.6 billion in FY2023, representing 13.8 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports. The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative aims to better focus USDA resources on identifying needs and providing support for U.S. specialty crops in various markets.
