Kentucky specialty crop projects draw grant

Published October 8, 2014 8:02am ET



FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Specialty crop projects in Kentucky will get a boost from a U.S. Agriculture Department block grant for about $300,000.

The grant is for the state Agriculture Department to work with the University of Kentucky and other groups to build specialty crop markets.

The agencies say the projects include increasing demand for fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs; targeting low-income communities; and increasing food knowledge among young people.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. The USDA said U.S. sales of specialty crops total nearly $65 billion a year.

For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/1rUUfBs .