MONTGOMERY, Ala. – USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) over $660,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 17 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop industry.
“Alabama’s specialty crop industry, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops, has experienced tremendous growth during my time as Commissioner. We are proud of the progress these programs have made and the positive impact they continue to have on our farmers and communities,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “ADAI reamins committed to helping farmers increase production, expand markets, and grow their businesses. I encourage eligible applicants to take advantage of these valuable opportunities to strengthen specialty crop operations and contribute to the continued growth of Alabama agriculture.”
The funding to Alabama is part of a total of $86.6 million in non-competitive FY 2026 funding awarded to 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
A list and short summary of the 17 projects funded in Alabama is below.
Operation Grow: Expanding Infrastructure and Peer Support for Beginning Veteran Farmers
Operation Grow will expand training, equipment access and peer support to help beginning veteran farmers increase specialty crop production through hands-on learning, Extension support and coordinated outreach statewide.
Investigating Alternatives to Amitraz for Improved Honey Bee Management
This project aims to improve honey bee health in Alabama by performing field studies and educational events that promote science based Varroa mite management decisions by beekeepers.
CoolBot: A Simple Cooling Technology to Improve Shelf-Life of Alabama Vegetables
This project will evaluate CoolBot technology as an affordable postharvest cooling solution for Alabama specialty crops, specifically collards, okra, sweet corn and southern peas.
AI Enabled Smart Inventory Tools for Alabama Nursery Growers
Auburn University will develop practical AI tools to automate nursery inventory, helping Alabama growers reduce labor, improve plant counts and make better production decisions.
Marketing and Promotion Campaign for Alabama Watermelons
The Gulf Coast Watermelon Association will provide production improvement information to Alabama watermelon producers through educational materials. They will also implement a comprehensive marketing and promotion campaign to enhance the competitiveness of its growers.
Selecting Profitable Thornless Blackberry Cultivars for the Gulf Coast
The project proposes to evaluate new thornless blackberry cultivars for low-chill, hot, humid conditions present in this region.
Validating New Tools for Bacterial Spot Control and Peach Orchard Health
The grant aims to help peach growers transition from harsh copper sprays to eco-friendly “good viruses” to prevent disease, protecting both tree health and the large fruit size that the market demands.
Securing Alabama’s Strawberry Future with Biochar Innovation to Optimize Soil Moisture, Nutrient Retention and Crop Health
Research will be conducted to test strawberries showing biochar as a natural soil amendment to manage water and nutrients. This will also create a healthier root environment that prevents disease and reduces chemical usage.
Evaluating Tea as a New Specialty Crop for Alabama
This project includes a three‑year, multi‑location field trial to evaluate the production potential of tea (Camellia sinensis) in Alabama and share results with growers and potential tea processors through extension outreach.
Expanding the Alabama Honey Festival to Strengthen Alabama Specialty Crop Producer
The Alabama Honey Festival will increase statewide market access for Alabama honey
Producers, while enhancing consumer education and strengthening the competitiveness of this specialty crop industry.
Exploring New Storage Methods to Extend the Shelf-Life of Alabama Small Fruits
The project aims to improve storage technologies for small fruits to help growers extend market windows, reduce losses and access higher-value marketing channels.
Evaluation of Drip-Applied Preemergence Herbicides in Plasticulture Strawberry Production in Alabama
The grant project will investigate the use of drip-applied pre-emergent herbicides for the control of broadleaf seeds to reduce hand-labor removal in plasticulture strawberry production.
Strategies for Monitoring and Management Thrips and TSWV in Tomatoes
This grant will evaluate sustainable strategies for Integrated Pest Management practices to combat thrips and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in Alabama. The project goal is to increase tomato production, improve monitoring, evaluate host plant resistance and implement timely low-risk control interventions.
Connecting Growers and Consumers: Advancing Alabama’s Specialty Crop Industry
The project will support Alabama producers by providing research-based training and resources at regional grower meetings and annual conferences. The goal is to increase consumer awareness of specialty crops through sampling and recipe distribution at events.
Gardens 2 Afterschool: Expanding Specialty Crop Education with Extended School Day Programming
The project will pilot an afterschool garden education program at four elementary schools in Tuscaloosa County to increase awareness and consumption of specialty crops among K-5 students.
Cultivar Screening and Post-harvest Interventions to Improve Berry Production, Shelf-life and Safety
The research will enhance cultivar adaptability and postharvest microbial control measures to foster berry yield and shelf-life. The experimental data will be shared with the public via professional platforms.
Improving Pecan Production in Alabama with Educational Conferences and Farm Tours
The grant will assist in providing the latest and most current research based educational information on pecan production practices, pest management and marketing programs utilizing annual conference presentations and farm tours.