Florida specialty crop program proposals

A number of projects were proposed as a result of discussions with various Specialty Crop Agricultural groups. Among the groups gathered were the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Department of Citrus, Florida Citrus Mutual, Tomato Committee and others to ensure all speciality crop producers were represented in the distribution of the allocated funds. All groups worked together and provided valuable input through deliberation which resulted in a consensus of the submitted list of proposals.

Domestic & Intl. Marketing & Promotion Grant Fund $ 5,000,000
Citrus Canker Eradication 4,000,000
Produce for Better Health (5-A-Day) 1,680,000
Pest and Disease (Medfly Facility & Detection Dogs) 1,350,000
Fl. Fruit & Veg. Assoc. Research on MeBr 1,000,000
Food Safety 1,000,000
Foreign Trade & Policy Center 1,000,000
Department of Citrus Fresh Cut Commercialization (Peeler) 1,000,000
Fl. Fruit & Veg. Assoc. Research Foundation Grant Fund 320,000
Fl. Dept. of Ag. & Con. Serv. Promotional Funding for FAPC 330,000
Department of Citrus Sectioning Machine 150,000
Department of Citrus Pectin Study 30,000

Total $ 16,860,000

The Marketing and Promotion Grant funds will be administered through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A special blue-ribbon committee will be created (representing a cross-section of agricultural groups) to evaluate grant proposals. Currently nominations are being gathered for the committee.

The Research Grant funds will be administered through the Florida Fruit and Vegetable
Research Foundation. A committee will be created to evaluate all proposals and nominations are being gathered.