Washington, DC
July 11, 2008
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer
announced today that USDA is
making available $28.4 million for research and extension
projects in fiscal year 2008 to address the critical needs of
the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating
science-based tools to address needs of specific crops.
"This is a substantial investment in scientific research and
technology for production of specialty crops that will advance
their large contribution to America's agriculture both
domestically and in world markets," said Schafer.
The U.S. specialty crop industry is comprised of producers and
handlers of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and
nursery crops, including floriculture. It is a major contributor
to the U.S. agricultural economy, accounting for 10 million
harvested cropland acres in 2004. The total value of U.S.
specialty crops is over $50 billion in sales, which puts the
combined value of these crops in league with the five major
program crops.
Funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative was a major
initiative in USDA's farm bill proposal and is authorized
through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. The 2008
farm bill provides an additional $50 million each year for
fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for a total of $230 million over
the five years of the farm bill.
Those interested in applying
for funding can access the request for applications online at
www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/specialty_crop.html
The Specialty Crop Research Initiative has five focus areas:
1) plant breeding, genetics and
genomics research to improve crop characteristics;
2) efforts to identify and address threats from pests and
diseases;
3) innovations and technology, including improved mechanization
and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;
4) efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity and
profitability; and
5) methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control and respond to
potential food safety hazards in the production and processing
of specialty crops.
Through federal funding and
leadership for research, education and extension programs,
CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical
issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future.
For more information, visit
www.csrees.usda.gov.
As of Friday, July 11, 2008, application forms and instructions
for completing and submitting those forms via the Grants.gov Web
site are not available for download. These materials will be
available on our site Monday, July 14, 2008.
APPLICATION
DEADLINE: August 14, 2008
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