Specialty Crops More Of A Staple For Washington Ag

Earlier this month, the USDA announced funding for the 2017 round of specialty crop block funds.  The top money winner, no surprise, California, at $19.2 million, but next on that list the Evergreen State.

“Being number two in this case, is just great, we have so many commodities that benefit from  the federal government’s specialty crop program.  And with the $4.1 million we’re able to fund some 20 projects.”

Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Mike Louisell said the funding will be used for a wide variety of projects, including, food safety, potato, apple, wine, hops and cider research, just to name a few.  All together 20 projects will be funded statewide.  He added the $4.1 million awarded in this round, is slightly higher than years past.

“Collectively, over the past ten years our state has received $31 million from the federal government to help fund specialty crop programs.”

Louisell noted that Washington recently passed Florida to become the number two state in USDA specialty crop funding.  Visit the WSDA's Website for a complete list of the funded projects.

Oregon by the way pulled in $1.7 million.

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