A specialty crop coalition in Washington state has asked the state's Department of Agriculture to use the $9.6 million block grant for Washington's specialty crops to help the state's agriculture today and into the future.
Five specific proposals were 1) to increase water storage; 2) improve water management; 3) improve per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables; 4) promote environmental stewardship of growers, and, 5) help reduce international trade barriers.
The funds come from the Federal Farm Emergency Aid program.