Director Announces Grant Recipients of Roughly $2.5 Million

Arizona Director of Agriculture Sheldon R. Jones announced today the list of recipients of specialty crop grant funds made available through the Arizona Department of Agriculture in four categories; Marketing, Research, Education and Nutrition.

The grants were given through the Arizona Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Grant Program, which was funded entirely by a congressional appropriation to Arizona in the 2001 Farm Assistance Bill (Public Law 107-25) to promote specialty crops.

"I am pleased to announce this list of recipients. These worthwhile organizations represent a diverse segment of agriculture from across Arizona. Their innovative ideas and projects will promote and enhance our agricultural base," Jones stated.

138 grant applications were received. Four committees composed of representatives involved in local agriculture, specialty crop marketing, research, education, nutrition and Arizona Department of Agriculture personnel chose recipients pursuant to state regulations on grant selection. The deadline for submitting applications was February 4, 2002.

"We must work to assist all of those engaged in agriculture, whether it's traditional crops, such as wheat and cotton, or specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and even shrimp. In this state there is room for everyone and I'm proud to reward Arizona's agricultural innovation." Director Jones concluded.