Udall Heralds Nearly $840,000 Investment to Strengthen Colorado's Farmers, Boost Agricultural Exports
Competitive Grants Will Be Used to Boost Colorado's Potato, Produce Farmers, Help Pueblo Chile Marketing, Other Projects
Mark Udall, a champion for Colorado's farmers and ranchers, heralded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision yesterday to invest nearly $840,000 to bolster agricultural production across the state. Udall said these competitive grants, part of the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and authorized through the deficit-reducing 2014 Farm Bill, will help strengthen Colorado's farmers and boost agricultural exports.
"Colorado farmers and the products they produce support thousands of jobs and strengthen our special way of life. These competitive grants will support job creators across the state, strengthen tourism and boost exports of Made-in-Colorado products," Udall said. "I am never shy when it comes to bragging about Colorado's bounty — and these investments will ensure tourists and consumers far and wide know why."
The competitive grants announced today, totaling $839,642, are:
- $143,950 to partner with Pueblo County to increase awareness and sales of the Pueblo Chile through a marketing campaign and demonstration garden.
- $141,442 to increase the sales of Colorado produce through a marketing campaign and demonstration garden at the Governor's Mansion.
- $107,000 to partner with the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee to increase the sale of Colorado potatoes in Mexico through outreach to Mexican vendors and studying the Mexican potato market.
- $92,336 to partner with the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association to increase sales through a multi-pronged effort that includes assessing grower and consumer needs and developing and implementing promotional products.
- $80,000 to partner with the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee to increase Colorado potato exports by developing and distributing a new method of screening for the potato virus (PVYn).
- $77,376 to increase Colorado produce suppliers' sales by marketing and raising awareness about Colorado produce at the 2015 Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit Expo.
- $63,731 to ensure the State Agency and sub-awardees abide by Federal and State requirements and regulations by preforming pre-award and post-award activities to administer Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding.
- $48,285 to partner with Colorado State University to increase the knowledge and education of Colorado specialty crops producers by providing research and technical support and extension education programs.
- $46,872 to partner with Fort Lewis College to enhance beginning specialty crop producers’ knowledge of farming techniques through hands-on training and creating incubator plots.
- $25,000 to partner with the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board to increase the availability of scientific research around the grape industry by creating an accessible Colorado-focused research website.
Udall has been a fierce advocate for Colorado's farmers and agricultural producers. He recently championed a successful trade deal to boost Colorado potato growers' exports to Mexico. Udall also successfully fought to include provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill to strengthen Colorado communities.