The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) has been awarded $341,212.54 of grant money for research, educational and marketing projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Louisiana. 

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the funding came from a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and awarded 55 grants that will fund 740 initiatives across the United States and its territories. The grants will help strengthen the market for specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

The Louisiana projects to be funded with this grant award are as follows:

LDAF will perform pre-ward and post-award activities to administer the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding and ensure that the LDAF and sub-awardees abide by federal and state requirements and regulations. All programs will be completed during a one- to three-year span.

Strain said to evaluate applications LDAF formed a four-member panel with combined expertise in biological sciences, horticulture, fruit production, vegetable production, dairy production and commodity marketing to review applications.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, that is why it is so important to invest in the specialty crop industry,” Strain said. “All of the proposals were beneficial, but the panel and I agreed these projects will serve the state's specialty crops needs best at this time.”

Michelle Estay, LDAF commodity promotion and research director, expects the specialty crop grant program to be funded next year and anticipated accepting applications for 2012 project proposals early next year. For more information, contact Estay at (985) 345-9483.