News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Contact: Michael Schommer, Communications Director, 651-297-1629
Kurt Markham, Agricultural Marketing Services Director, 651-296-6382

MDA announces recipients of $1.7 million in USDA specialty crops grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced it will award $1.6 million in specialty crop grants as part of a one-time federal emergency farm assistance package designed to help stimulate the state's specialty crop industry. This marks the first time emergency funds have been appropriated to non-program crops.

These specialty crop grants are made possible due to a federal appropriation given to Minnesota by the federal government. Specialty crops are generally fruits and vegetables, but are specifically defined as any agricultural crop except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts and tobacco.

MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson said the grant program provides a valuable financial boost to a relatively low-profile part of the state's agricultural industry.

"Minnesota agriculture is more than just cows, corn and beans," Commissioner Hugoson said. "Our farmers also grow excellent fruits and vegetables, including peas, potatoes, wild rice and apples. The state's horticulture and nursery industries also produce top-notch trees and ornamental plants. We're pleased to be able to partner with the federal government to provide assistance for this part of our agricultural economy."

The MDA recently held three meetings around the state with specialty crop producer organizations to gather input on the best way to distribute the grant money. Grant applications were judged by a number of criteria, including each specialty crop's share of the value of the state's overall specialty crop production. Grants will go to the following programs:

· $420,000 to the Red River Potato Growers Association for market development and field merchandising;
· $370,000 to Minnesota Grown program participants for research, promotion and marketing of specialty crops and associations (principally a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association and the Minnesota Apple Growers);
· $300,000 to Midwest Food Processors Association for pest and disease prevention in sweet corn, peas and snap beans, and enhancement of a web-based information system;

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, an alternative form of communication is available upon request. TTY 1-800-627-3529

· $150,000 to the Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion Council for research of an effective crop desiccant and added value promotion of kidney beans;
· $128,000 to the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning for emergency food and transportation assistance for hunger solutions;
· $100,000 to the Minnesota Feed and Grain Association for planning and development of a non-profit shippers association for identity-preserved specialty crops;
· $50,000 to Northern Minnesota Forage-Turf Seed Committee for the development of improved perennial rye grass;
· $25,000 to the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council;
· $25,000 to the Apple Crisp Cooperative;
· $25,000 to Farm Connect;
· $25,000 to the Growers of the St. Paul Farmers Market;
· $25,000 to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health;
· $25,000 to the Toolshed Ag Information Network for web enhancements;
· $5,000 to the "Buckwheat" Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota.

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This release is available on the MDA website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us