(NAFB.com) – The USDA is awarding $82.3 million to 65 recipients to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops, and help support the industry’s producers. From market development to consumer education to research, these programs expand markets, increase the competitiveness of the specialty crop industry, and increase access to specialty crops for consumers. “This funding will strengthen specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and more,” says USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt. “These programs are furthering our efforts to build a more resilient food system, one where consumers and producers have more, new, and better market opportunities, which helps farmers and their communities prosper.” Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, USDA is awarding $72.9 million to 54 states and territories, as well as $9.4 million to 11 projects in multiple states.