Cuomo announces $1.4 million for research, promotion of specialty crops across the state

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday announced $1.4 million in awards targeting the research and promotion of specialty crops in the Empire State, including agricultural products that go into craft beers and wines.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program, administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, includes fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, hops, and nursery crops. The program seeks to boost the competitiveness of New York farms by forming new partnerships to create innovations in agriculture that benefit the state’s economy, a news release from the governor’s office said.

“New York has one of the most diverse agricultural sectors in the nation, and specialty crops play a substantial role in this thriving industry’s success,” Cuomo said.

Cornell University was a big beneficiary of the awards, landing 10 funding grants.

“This is great news for Cornell University, [which] utilizes specialty crops in their research and grower education,” U.S. Congressman Tom Reed (R–NY 23rd District) said in the release. “This is another way for us to care for our local farmers and educational institutes.”

Funding is being provided through the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (amended under the federal 2014 Farm Bill), which authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide state assistance for specialty crop competitiveness programs.

In cooperation with an advisory committee made up of industry representatives, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets solicited proposals that it says, “solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and benefit the greatest number of beneficiaries in one of three priority areas.” They include research and grower education, food safety, and marketing and promotion.

“Specialty crops are an important part of the fabric of a strong agricultural sector here in New York,” Richard A. Ball, New York Agriculture Commissioner, said in the release. “I grow specialty crops on my farm, and believe me when I say that there’s a great demand for them. This new funding will help the state’s world class researchers to combat diseases affecting specialty crops while enhancing food safety and raising awareness of the quality of New York State agriculture across the state.”

New York ranks in the top 10 nationwide in a variety of specialty crops, including apples, grapes, sweet corn, tomatoes, pears, strawberries, Christmas trees, maple syrup, onions, and cabbage, according to the governor’s office.

A list of Central New York funding awardees, project descriptions, and funding amounts is below: