State gets $400,000 Specialty Crop Block Grant

South Carolina is the recipient of a USDA Agriculture Marketing Service grant, S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said.

South Carolina will receive more than $400,000 in grant funds through the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant is part of the USDA’s “Know Your Farmer, You’re Your Food” initiative established with the purpose of developing local and regional food systems that spur economic opportunity. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides for increases and flexibility for USDA programs in an effort to promote local foods.

For more information about the program, contact Larry Boyleston at (803) 734-2191 or .