USDA funded $287.7 million toward a diversity of research projects to develop or enhance the use of automation or mechanization in specialty crops between 2008 and 2018 Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, based on data provided by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Agricultural Research Service, and National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 2 USDA is pleased to provide the 2019 U.S. USDA. The statutory definition of the term “specialty crop” is wide-ranging, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, horticulture, and nursery crops 7 U.S.C. Specialty crops face a variety of climate-related challenges. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Information. The Program "provides instructional and hands-on learning in the production, harvesting, marketing, and use of specialty crops" and covers sustainable and organic production, integrated pest management, crops grown in controlled environments, and more. Specialty Crops: Title X (Horticulture), Title I (Commodities), Title III (Trade), Title IV (Nutrition), and Title VII (Research) Provides incentives for marketing and promotion of horticulture crops, data and information collection, plant pest and disease management, food safety education, and programs to facilitate the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in school feeding programs. Eligible projects must “solely enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops” and expand local, regional, domestic or international markets and distribution. USDA customer • Producers must own or share inthe risk of the commodity and have a share of the ... Producers of specialty crops are eligible for CFAP payments in the following three categories: 1. Specialty Crops- An Overview Background. Since 2006, these grants have launched over 107 GAP and Good Handling Practices (GHP) outreach and training projects, and funded 116 GAP/GHP cost share projects through State departments of agriculture. Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Specialty crops account for roughly one-third of annual U.S. farm crop sales. Specialty crops are defined in law as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Legislative Focus Area Priorities. Billings, MT – Steve Junghans The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program administered by state departments of agriculture with the purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops. U.S. specialty crop producers face a variety of challenges that require a diverse set of solutions. These speciality crops are used in programs including domestic feeding programs, like school lunches, and military combat rations. Industry Overview Specialty crops—defined as “fruits and vegetables, tree 2017 Census of Agriculture Specialty Crops 3 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Table 3. Specialty Crops Trade Issues report to the U.S. Congress. NewCROP. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. This report is provided as required under Section 203 (e)(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. Perennials such as grapevines and nut trees represent a major investment and – unlike annual field crops – cannot be abandoned or fallowed in the event of a severe drought, storm, or heat wave. This page exists to provide information on the Opportunities for Specialty Crops in Tennessee: Focus on Hops project which was made possible by funding from the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service through grant USDA-AMS-SCBG-2017.