Oct 11, 2011

N.Y. State approves $1 million for fruit, veggie research

State officials have announced $1 million in federal funds will go towards specialty crop research, grower education and consumer outreach and market development.

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine announced $1 million for nine projects that he said will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, a $1.34 billion industry in New York. Specialty crops include fruit, vegetables, maple, honey, horticulture and nursery/landscape. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“These grants help us improve and grow our agricultural economy,” Aubertine said. “We appreciate the support we have received from our members of Congress in obtaining these funds. These grants will better the industry as a whole and make New York crops more competitive.”

A total of $506,652 was awarded for seven research and grower education projects. In addition to those projects, $447,423 will be used to implement two statewide consumer outreach and market development projects. The Daily News

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