Kansas Specialty Crop Producers Benefit from New Grants

By Scout Nelson

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $324,059.17 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service.

This program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.

Through a competitive application process, Kansas selected several projects to receive funding. One initiative, Comprehensive Postharvest Hands-On Training for Kansas Specialty Crop Growers, will be led by Kansas State University to teach growers advanced postharvest practices, reduce losses, and promote economic growth in the fruit and vegetable sector.

Another project, Double Film Method for Large Scale Production of Vegetables in Winter Season Without Added Heat Source, will study a double-layered low tunnel design to grow vegetables during subzero winters.

This research will help create detailed procedures for seeding, watering, fertilizing, and yield expectations while evaluating economic and food safety benefits.

The Growing Community Through Kansas Specialty Crops project will increase awareness and consumption of Kansas-grown specialty crops through live farmers’ market cook-a-longs and community outreach. Similarly, Increasing Consumption and Purchase of Specialty Crops will expand nutrition education programs in Saline County, offering classes to children and adults on preparation and preservation of specialty crops.

Kansas State University will also continue offering free water testing for specialty crop growers to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, encouraging regular assessment of water quality. Another project will research effective weed control in no-till dry bean production and share findings through field days and meetings.

In partnership with industry, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will use grant funding to host a statewide specialty crop conference in early 2027, focusing on business and production practices.

These targeted projects aim to improve food safety, expand consumer education, and support sustainable specialty crop production across Kansas, strengthening the state’s agriculture and promoting innovation for years to come.

Photo Credit:kansas-department-of-agriculture