GEORGIA (WALB) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending $86.6 million to states to boost specialty crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts.

The money comes through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It will fund more than 600 projects in 56 states and territories.

Officials say the goal is to help farmers compete, fight pests and diseases, improve food safety, and make it easier and cheaper to get crops to market.

Agriculture secretary comments on funding

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the Trump administration’s investment puts farmers first and supports rural communities.

Examples include more than $4.3 million for Florida crops like mangoes and blueberries, about $2.6 million for Michigan apples and blueberries, and over $2 million for Texas grapes, watermelons and pecans.

Other states sharing in the money include Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

A full list of projects is posted on USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service website.

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