Senator Stabenow Announces Nearly $1.9 Million in Support for Michigan Fruit, Vegetable, and Nursery Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced nearly $1.9 million in critical funding to support fruit, vegetable, nursery, and floriculture producers across Michigan.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will award $1,887,408 million to support 20 specialty crop projects throughout the state.  For a complete list of Michigan projects receiving support, please visit USDA's website here.

“Today's announcement is great news for Michigan growers, who will be able to more effectively sell their products at local and regional farmers' markets, protect their crops from pests and diseases, and develop better production and food safety practices,” said Senator Stabenow.  “Support for fruit, vegetable, nursery, and floriculture producers has been a top priority of mine and I will continue to work so that Michigan families have better access to local and health food options and Michigan growers have the tools they need to succeed.”

In 2008, Senator Stabenow authored the first ever fruits and vegetables section of a Farm Bill in history that supported specialty crops - fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery products, and floriculture.  Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill strengthened support for specialty crops and made major investments in organic crops and local and regional food hubs.