USDA announces investments to strengthen specialty crops sector

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Tuesday two U.S. Department of Agriculture investments designed to support the U.S. specialty crops industry.

The launch of the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports — ASCE — initiative will provide $65 million for projects that will help the specialty crop sector increase global exports and expand to new markets.

Additionally, USDA announced Tuesday $72.9 million in grant funding available to support the specialty crops industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. SCBGP will fund innovative projects designed to bolster the compet...