Eleven new projects strengthen Tennessee specialty crop industry
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has announced $567,424 in funding for 11 innovative projects under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These investments aim to strengthen Tennessee’s specialty crop sector by supporting research, marketing, and educational initiatives that benefit farmers, producers, and consumers.
“This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement.”
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. The program is administered by TDA’s Business Development Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Among the awardees, Serenity Springs Lavender Farm will host a Northeast Tennessee Farm Trail Weekend to highlight lavender farming and agritourism. Tennessee State University will advance pest and crop management through research on cucurbits, shiitake mushrooms, woody crops, Japanese beetle control, and AI-powered precision agriculture.
The University of Memphis will explore aerial technology for early detection of orchard diseases, while the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will focus on spotted lanternfly control, expand hop and strawberry production, and develop a mobile-friendly Southeastern Vegetable Crop Handbook.
Together, these initiatives represent nine research projects, one educational effort, and one marketing campaign—all designed to enhance specialty crop production and open new opportunities for Tennessee farmers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon