SPARKS - The Nevada Department of Agriculture will fund 13 crop projects around the state that promote and enhance specialty crops through education, research, marketing and production.
"The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a critical way to experiment with and promote crops throughout the state," said Jim Barbee, director of the department. "We are grateful for the funding from the USDA to enhance competitiveness among Nevada's specialty crop industry.
Specialty crops are defined as "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruites, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture."
Funded projects for 2013 include:
•Nevada Vines and Wines grape growing and wine making with the University of Nevada, Reno.
•Eastern Nevada Food Bank, 4H and FFA hydroponic laboratory program.
•Lyon County University Extension hoop house vegetable and fruit production.
•NevadaGrown consumer awareness and sales of Nevada specialty crops.
•Hops research project with Urban Roots, UNR College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and High Desert Farming Initiative.
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