WASHINGTON STATE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded over $4 million to Washington's Department of Agriculture for its Specialty Crop Block Program . This funding aims to boost the state's agriculture sector by supporting 19 diverse projects this year.

Washington is home to more than 300 different crops, many of which are classified as specialty crops. Leisa Schumaker, the grant program manager with WSDA, talks about what falls under the 'specialty crop' designation.'

"Fruits, nuts, vegetables horticulture floriculture," Schumaker said.

The $4 million will be distributed across 19 projects , benefiting growers of various sizes. Schumaker explained that the funding will support a range of initiatives.

"We fund projects that benefit small to medium to large types of

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