Specialty Crop Block Grant Program total amount awarded, FY08-FY13

Building on the 2008 Farm Act, research remains a cornerstone of programs for specialty crops. The SCRI and Specialty Crop Block Grants facilitate partnerships between industry and public research in enhancing and promoting competitiveness of the horticulture sector. Establishing authority for regional collaborations in the block grant program (previously, each grant was limited to single States) will promote efficiencies in addressing issues such as food safety, plant pests and disease, and crop-specific projects that cross State lines. Mandatory funding established for SCRI will avoid research disruptions.