Kentucky Opens Specialty Crop Grant Applications to Enhance Agricultural Competitiveness
Kentucky agriculture officials have announced the opening of applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, aimed at strengthening the state's specialty crop sector. Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell stated the program's goal is to boost the competitiveness of Kentucky's specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is administering the state's share of the federal program, seeking proposals from private companies, small businesses, nonprofits, and quasi-government entities. Projects must focus on pest and disease control, research, distribution efficiency, and food safety. Kentucky anticipates receiving $413,908.66 from the USDA's $86.6 million national grant pool. 
