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Indiana specialty crop growers eligible for USDA funds

The USDA has awarded more than $416,000 to Indiana growers through its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. 

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s economic development program director Emily Conwell says funds will be used to help growers with their business development.

“Topics like enhanced food safety, investment, and especially crop research,” she says. “It’s also used to increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption, especially with crops.”

She tells Brownfield Indiana produces several specialty crops.

“Getting the information out to the public about what specialty crops are, how to grow them, and how best to consume them, that’s really important,” she says. “It’s good for growers and Hoosiers in Indiana that are consuming this fresh, locally grown produce.”

The funding is part of a $72.9 million grant to strengthen U.S. specialty crop production.

The application is open until June 4th. Click here for the link to the application.

AUDIO: Emily Conwell, ISDA