The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced funding for 16 projects from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in 2018. “North Carolina received over $1.2 million in funding to enhance the quality of specialty crops grown in our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. North Carolina’s specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, Christmas trees, turfgrass and sod, and nursery and greenhouse crops. Grant proposals were submitted by nonprofit organizations, commodity groups, government agencies and universities. More information about the program is available at www.NCSpecialtyCropGrant.org.