Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $2,256,268 in federal funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support producing, researching, and promoting specialty crops grown in Michigan. Huizenga has been a vocal leader in Congress for Michigan’s specialty crop growers and has been supportive of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
“Specialty crop growers here in Michigan are some of the hardest working farmers in America,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “I am glad to see this USDA program, which I have been a strong advocate for in Congress, continue to support important research and strengthen the competitiveness of Michigan’s world class produce.”
Below is a list of some of Michigan’s grant recipients. A complete list of recipients is available here.
Research
$66,797 for evaluating new IPM Tools to advance spotted wing drosophila control for Michigan blueberry growers. The Michigan Blueberry Commission will support entomologists from Michigan State University to evaluate novel integrated pest management strategies to control spotted-wing drosophila and reduce reliance on insecticides for this damaging invasive pest.
$99,000 for advancing anthracnose management in Michigan blueberries. The Michigan Blueberry Commission is requesting funding from the MDARD/USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. In order to stay competitive in the fresh fruit market, Michigan growers are aiming to increase production and fruit quality. This research will evaluate anthracnose prediction models and improve grower management strategies.
$100,000 promoting asparagus production through decision support and sustainable soil and nutrient management. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, in cooperation with Michigan State University, will increase plant and soil health, farm profitability, and industry resilience to future weather and economic conditions.
$97,941 for evaluating sustainable management systems for successful establishment of Michigan vineyards and orchards. The Michigan Grape Society, in partnership with Michigan State University seeks to understand the benefits and challenges of organic and regenerative management methods on the establishment of grape vineyards and apple orchards under Michigan climatic conditions when compared to conventional management methods.
$89,444 for understanding and managing Armillaria and Phytophthora Root Rot in Michigan Christmas tree plantations. The Michigan Christmas Tree Association, working with Michigan State University, is seeking funding support to help growers manage Phytophthora and Armillaria root rot issues in Michigan Christmas tree production.
$99,998 for integrated strategies for management of herbicide resistant weeds and bolting in celery. Michigan Celery Research, Inc., in cooperation with Michigan State University, will develop integrated strategies for managing herbicide-resistant weeds and evaluate new celery cultivars for bolt-resistance in order to reduce costs and improve profitability of celery production.
$100,000 for alternative pesticides for nursery container production. The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, working with Michigan State University is seeking funding to support research to help nursery growers improve their productivity and profitability by developing alternative pesticide strategies for controlling problematic weeds in MI woody shrub container production.
$99,108 for onion growers seeking to limit leaf spot to preserve yields. The Michigan Onion Committee, in partnership with Michigan State University, will identify effective management strategies aimed at protecting the crop’s foliage from Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) (causal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium) and preserving bulb quality and yield.
$96,925 for sustainable management of root-knot nematodes in Michigan vegetable production systems. Michigan State University’s Applied Nematology Lab will address the growing threat of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in vegetable production systems.
$85,630 for nitrogen dynamics of various N sources and N-15 isotope fate in potato. The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) will partner with researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) to better understand the fate of nitrogen fertilizers in the soil and where within the plant these products may reside at harvest (tuber vs vegetation).
Workforce Development
$98,822 for expanding specialty crop training in West Michigan. New City Neighbors will enhance specialty crop training in West Michigan by establishing an Agricultural Training Center in Grand Rapids that will serve as a new training site for the Michigan State University Organic Farmer Training Program.
$83,470to support specialty crop growers with food safety certification and workforce development in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. The Area Community Services Employment & Training Council will enhance specialty crop workforce development by providing 65 workers with industry-recognized food safety and leadership certifications while engaging 6,000 students in exploring specialty crop-related careers across a seven-county region.
