By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has received $413,908.66 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
The funding will support eight projects in 2026 focused on research, education, marketing, and improving the competitiveness of specialty crops grown across Kentucky.
“Specialty crops make up a significant part of Kentucky’s agricultural economy and through these grants the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is pleased to be able to provide assistance to our producers to grow that production,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.
“The specialty crop program is intended to help make Kentucky specialty crops more competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. These funds will allow new and unique opportunities for Kentucky farm families,” Shell added.
The three-year projects cover a variety of agricultural priorities. EBB Farms Lone Hill LLC, working with United Chestnuts and the University of Kentucky, will receive $20,000 to develop accessible pest and disease management resources for chestnut growers.
The University of Kentucky will lead several initiatives, including a $59,673 project examining apple, peach and pear production systems; a $59,716 study of watermelon varieties; and a $62,691 evaluation of advanced blueberry selections.
These projects aim to provide growers with practical information on crop performance, fruit quality, production methods, and disease management.
Another university project, funded with $45,609, will investigate strawberry varieties and breeding lines for resistance to Neopestalotiopsis disease. Researchers will also develop an artificial intelligence-assisted image screening process to support future strawberry breeding.
The KDA will receive $49,708 to modernize its apiary emergency response system. Using ArcGIS technology and rapid-diagnostic equipment, the initiative will improve monitoring and response to threats such as pesticide exposure, severe weather, transportation accidents, and contagious bee diseases.
Additionally, the University of Kentucky will receive $49,620 to promote community-supported agriculture subscriptions through health-focused marketing resources. The initiative will encourage consumers to purchase fresh, seasonal vegetables while helping farmers reach new customers.
525 Kitchen, Inc. will receive $33,779 to demonstrate a compact hydroponic microgreens production system. The project will assess production efficiency, food safety, and year-round growing opportunities for beginning farmers, urban growers, and small-scale producers.
Funding for the SCBGP is authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. Since 2006, USDA has invested more than $1 billion through the program, supporting over 13,000 projects nationwide to strengthen specialty crop production and expand marketing opportunities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy