MDAC has eyes on Delta specialty crops

USDA block grant powers Mississippi projects from sweet potatoes to strawberries

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) has announced funding for projects at Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University aimed at strengthening the state’s specialty crop industry, including support for Stoneville NCAAR – National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (a USDA-ARS/MSU partnership) scientist Amanda Nelson on the sweet potato research team.

MDAC received a $419,995.50 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program supports initiatives that improve marketing, research and production of Mississippi-grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and horticultural crops.

Specialty crops represent an estimated $197 million impact in Mississippi’s agriculture economy. The new grant will help expand research, outreach and educational efforts to enhance the competitiveness of these crops statewide.

A total of ten projects will be implemented under the program:

• Alcorn State University will train small-scale farmers and woodland owners to use conifer wood waste for cultivating oyster mushrooms through hands-on workshops.
• Mississippi State University will conduct research to:
  • Determine optimal transplant timing and water use for sweet potato slip survivability.
  • Optimize hydroponic systems for leafy greens and develop nutrient and temperature strategies to boost yield and quality.
  • Explore disease-free strawberry plug production under Mississippi growing conditions.
  • Assess the potential for kiwifruit as a high-value alternative crop.
  • Investigate best management practices for sweet corn to close knowledge gaps among growers.
  • Improve watermelon health through integrated pest and disease management.
  • Identify and develop tea cultivars adapted to Mississippi’s climate.
• MDAC will also provide assistance for growers pursuing Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) certification and expand its Freshly Picked educational program, which promotes the benefits and seasonal availability of Mississippi-grown specialty crops.

For more information on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, visit www.mdac.ms.gov or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram and X.