By Jamie Martin
South Carolina's specialty crop growers received a welcome boost in August with a $603,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, helps strengthen the state's specialty crop industry, which encompasses fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
"We're constantly seeking new ways to leverage the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to empower South Carolina's farmers," said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. "These grants encourage growers to expand their markets, adopt innovative practices, and cultivate a wider variety of local crops. Ultimately, our goal is to support the success of our agricultural community."
The awarded grants will fund a diverse range of projects designed to benefit South Carolina's specialty crop industry. These projects include -
- Developing an online marketplace and logistics system - This initiative will support the South Carolina Cut Flower Growers Marketing Co-op by facilitating online sales and statewide delivery of locally grown flowers.
- Research on chickpeas - South Carolina State University will conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of using chickpeas as a fall cover crop that can be harvested as a cash crop in the spring.
- Clemson University research projects - Clemson University will receive funding for several research projects, including - developing methods to detect bacterial blight in brassica crops, breeding peach varieties with increased resistance to bacterial canker, improving fungicide application techniques for strawberries, and creating a user-friendly pricing tool for both farmers and buyers.
- AI-powered agricultural data platform - Advent Innovations Limited Company will develop an AI-based agricultural database and dashboard. This platform will collect, store, and analyze data to monitor crop health and growth, optimize soil health, minimize crop loss, and predict yields.
- Honeybee study - Elgie Deberry Apiaries on Daufuskie Island will conduct a study to investigate flower selection patterns of honeybees using honey samples.
A complete list of funded projects is available on the USDA website. For more information about Specialty Crop Block Grants in South Carolina, visit the ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp and agriculture.sc.gov/grants websites.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: National