Illinois grants $525K for crop growth

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will distribute $525,000 in federal funding to support the state's specialty crop industry.

This funding comes through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, authorized by the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, and will be allocated over the next three years to eight selected projects across Illinois. The aim is to enhance specialty crop production, market access, and education.

According to USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt, the projects funded through this grant will help strengthen U.S. specialty crop production, ensuring continued access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

The funding is intended to benefit non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments working within the specialty crop industry.

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, noting that the funds will support initiatives aimed at expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce in both rural and urban communities. One of the key focuses is providing educational opportunities for school-aged children through hands-on, farm-based learning experiences.

The eight projects that will receive funding include:

• Elawa Farm Foundation – Providing bilingual and adaptive specialty crop education across Lake County.
• Freeport Student Garden – Transitioning to high tunnel production of cucumbers and tomatoes, offering urban youth extended learning.
• Fuller Park Community Development – Establishing a farmers' market in Chicago’s Fuller Park area for fresh, local food access.
• Gardeneers – Increasing students' knowledge and access to specialty crops in Chicago schools.
• Illinois Specialty Growers Association – Offering educational programs and resources for farmers to improve crop sustainability and business viability.
• Southern Illinois University – Developing UV-assisted washing technologies for food safety in fresh produce.
• University of Illinois – Creating a rapid water testing system for small specialty crop growers to meet safety regulations.
• University of Illinois Extension – Researching best practices for growing fresh ginger on small farms.

Each project aims to enhance the long-term success of Illinois specialty crop growers, focusing on education, sustainability, and food safety. These initiatives will improve the availability of locally grown crops and promote healthy eating habits across Illinois communities.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska