Alabama Receives $519,000 in USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $519,000 to Alabama through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding will support 14 projects designed to enhance the competitiveness, marketing, education, and research of Alabama’s growing specialty crop sector.
The USDA awarded a total of $72.9 million in Fiscal Year 2025 non-competitive funding nationwide, with Alabama’s portion dedicated to expanding opportunities for fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and nursery crop producers.
Commissioner Rick Pate Highlights Industry Growth
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate praised the progress of the state’s specialty crop sector, noting how much it has expanded in recent years.
“Since I became Commissioner in 2019, the specialty crop industry including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops has grown tremendously. We’re proud of the success of these programs and the positive impact they’ve had on our farmers and communities. ADAI is eager to help farmers accomplish their goals of increased production and market expansion of specialty crops. I encourage more people to apply and take advantage of these significant opportunities.”
Strengthening Alabama’s Specialty Crop Industry
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding will help Alabama growers improve competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. Projects funded under this year’s grant will focus on marketing innovation, production efficiency, pest management, and consumer outreach — all vital for maintaining growth in the state’s specialty crop economy.
The 2025 Alabama-funded projects will impact a variety of high-value crops including:
- Strawberries
- Sweet Potatoes
- Pecans
- Peaches
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Kiwifruit
These crops represent a vital and expanding part of Alabama’s agricultural diversity, contributing not only to local economies but also to the overall sustainability of the state’s farming sector.
With USDA’s continued support, Alabama’s specialty crop producers are well-positioned to expand markets, strengthen profitability, and enhance consumer access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Commissioner Pate and ADAI are encouraging more producers to engage with future grant opportunities that help ensure continued growth and innovation in Alabama agriculture.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.