Specialty crops grants include Garrett County

Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced winners of $450,560 in grants that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland.

“We are pleased to announce awardees of the Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The 2008 Farm Bill provided significant grant funding dedicated to specialty crops to become available,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

Among the projects are:

• Garrett County Economic Development Corp. — $80,000 to develop the capacity to serve Maryland grocery chain markets with Maryland-produced berries year round and allow Maryland growers to enter the grocery chain market at premium prices as “locally grown” produce. The project will happen in Garret County and the Eastern Shore.
• Maryland Christmas Tree Association — $30,000 to launch a statewide marketing and communications campaign to inform consumers of the benefits of using a real Maryland Christmas tree and purchasing it at local farms.
• Maryland Wineries Association — $30,000 to develop a “Maryland’s Best” Wine Promotion Program and grow the demand for Maryland-grown wine through marketing products, while overcoming certain market misperceptions of local wine.
• Maryland Department of Agriculture: $85,000 to reduce the barriers facing Maryland fresh fruit and vegetables producers in implementing an effective food safety program; $200,000 to fund seasonal promotions of Maryland specialty crops to stimulate consumer demand for local products and assist farmers in accessing market channels to meet that demand.; $25,561 to promote healthy eating and to market Maryland products to Maryland school children as part of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program.