December 19, 2016
From popcorn and peas to honey and hops, specialty crops are an important part of Nebraska's agriculture industry. Sixteen specialty crop projects will receive more than $620,000 in funding as part of USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the program supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops.
"Specialty crops are important to Nebraska's ag industry, because they create economic diversity for the state," says NDA Director Greg Ibach. "By focusing on critical areas like research, production and the environment, these new projects will help specialty crop producers stay competitive and grow their businesses."
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. Two of the 16 projects in Nebraska are related to dry bean production. Nebraska ranks fifth in the nation for all dry edible bean production. The state is first in great northern bean production and second in pinto bean production. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will receive funding to evaluate the sustainability of adding dry beans to dryland cropping systems in western Nebraska and to identify sources of common blight in dry bean crops.
A description of the other specialty crop projects being funded in Nebraska and the grant recipients are as follows:
• Expanding hop production with local growers by providing educational resources and promoting a conference focused on growing, harvesting and processing hops; UNL
• Reducing losses to sunflower growers due to Phomopsis stem canker disease; UNL
• Identifying pea varieties and production practices for high seed protein content in western Nebraska; UNL
• Interseeding cover crops into popcorn fields to help with the popcorn plant's health and reduce weed population in popcorn fields; Hilger Agri-Natural Popcorn
• Identifying the best peppermint and spearmint varieties for production in western Nebraska; UNL
• Reducing the use of herbicides in vineyards by replacing groundcovers beneath grapevines; UNL
• Using ozonated water to control disease, reduce pesticide use and enhance plant growth; Mac's Creek Vineyards and Winery
• Extending the growing season of table grapes by growing them in high tunnels; UNL
• Enhancing sustainable landscapes to promote honey production in bee colonies near agricultural fields in Nebraska; UNL
NDA will also receive funding for specialty crop projects for the inspection of plants for pests and diseases.
Projects will have up to three years to complete their work. For more information about the grants or this year's recipients, visit USDA.
Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture
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