Holland Reporter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $2,256,268 in federal funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support specialty crop production, research, and promotion in Michigan. Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), who represents Michigan’s 4th district and has served in Congress since 2011, expressed his support for the program and its impact on local agriculture.

“Specialty crop growers here in Michigan are some of the hardest working farmers in America,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “I am glad to see this USDA program, which I have been a strong advocate for in Congress, continue to support important research and strengthen the competitiveness of Michigan’s world class produce.”

A portion of the grants will fund research projects such as developing new pest management tools for blueberry growers, improving anthracnose management in blueberries, supporting sustainable asparagus production practices, evaluating organic and regenerative methods for vineyards and orchards, managing root rot diseases in Christmas tree plantations, and controlling herbicide-resistant weeds in celery. Other funded initiatives include developing alternative pesticides for nursery container production, protecting onion crops from leaf spot disease, managing root-knot nematodes in vegetables, and studying nitrogen use in potato cultivation.

Workforce development is also addressed by these grants. New City Neighbors will receive funds to expand specialty crop training by establishing an Agricultural Training Center in Grand Rapids as part of the Michigan State University Organic Farmer Training Program. The Area Community Services Employment & Training Council will use its grant to provide food safety certification and workforce development opportunities for specialty crop workers across seven counties.

Congressman Huizenga was born in Zeeland, Michigan in 1969 and currently lives in Holland. He graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives before entering Congress.

A complete list of grant recipients is available online.