Arkansas Ag department awards grants for specialty crop industry – Talk Business & Politics

Report on Arkansas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Funding and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Program Overview and Contribution to Sustainable Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has allocated $336,560 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to six distinct projects. The primary objective of this initiative is to fortify and expand the state’s specialty crop industry, which encompasses fruits, vegetables, horticulture, and tree nuts. This investment directly supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic activity within the agricultural sector. By empowering local producers to grow their operations, the program fosters job creation and enhances the economic vitality of rural communities.

Funded Projects and Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

The selected projects reflect a strategic focus on marketing, research, and market expansion, each contributing to various Sustainable Development Goals. The competitive selection process, which reviewed applications totaling over $1.79 million, ensured that funded initiatives demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes aligned with sustainable development.

1. Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association: This project will utilize promotional events and social media to increase consumer awareness of Arkansas-grown blackberries. This supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by encouraging consumption of local produce, thereby shortening supply chains and supporting local food systems.
2. Arkansas Department of Agriculture: The department will work to expand market access for specialty crop producers. This initiative directly addresses SDG 2: Zero Hunger by strengthening local food supply chains and enhancing the viability of small-scale food producers.
3. Arkansas Pecan Growers Association: The development of a statewide marketing plan and promotional materials aims to expand wholesale and retail partnerships. This contributes to SDG 8 by creating new economic opportunities and stable markets for pecan growers.
4. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (Strawberry Disease Research): Research will focus on developing best management practices for an emerging strawberry disease. This project is critical for SDG 2, as it promotes sustainable agriculture and resilient farming practices to ensure stable food production. It also aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by advancing scientific research in agriculture.
5. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (Blackberry Production System Evaluation): This initiative will evaluate the commercial feasibility of an annual blackberry production system. This research supports SDG 9 by fostering innovation in agricultural techniques and contributes to SDG 2 by developing more efficient and sustainable food production methods.
6. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (Muscadine Grape Industry Support): Through on-farm evaluations and pest-management research, this project will support the growth of the muscadine grape industry. This work enhances agricultural productivity and sustainability, aligning with the targets of SDG 2.

Strategic Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. It represents a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving:

• A federal government agency (USDA)
• A state government agency (Arkansas Department of Agriculture)
• Producer-led industry associations
• An academic and research institution (University of Arkansas System)

This partnership model is essential for mobilizing financial resources, sharing knowledge, and implementing technology to advance sustainable agriculture. The rigorous project evaluation by a panel of industry experts further ensures that investments are targeted, effective, and aligned with the collective goal of building a resilient and prosperous specialty crop sector.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The article highlights that the funded projects aim to “help producers grow their operations and bring more Arkansas-grown products to consumers.” Efforts like developing marketing plans for pecan growers and expanding market reach for specialty crop producers directly support increasing their incomes.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The article mentions projects focused on “developing best management practices for Neopestalotiopsis, an emerging strawberry disease,” and “pest-management research” for grapes. These initiatives are aimed at creating more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems by mitigating crop diseases and pests.
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, and technology development. The entire article is about a $336,560 investment through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This funding is explicitly directed towards “research and marketing efforts,” including projects led by the “University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture” to conduct research and “share results with growers,” which constitutes an investment in agricultural research and extension services.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The program supports the “specialty crop industry,” which represents agricultural diversification. Projects such as “evaluating an annual blackberry production system to determine its commercial feasibility” are a direct form of innovation and technological upgrading in agriculture.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, entrepreneurship, and the growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. The grant program supports growers’ associations and individual producers, which are often small or medium-sized enterprises. By funding marketing plans and research, the program encourages their growth and helps them “expand wholesale and retail partnerships.”

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste… and reduce food losses along production and supply chains. The research project to develop “best management practices for Neopestalotiopsis, an emerging strawberry disease,” directly addresses the reduction of food losses at the production stage. By controlling diseases, fewer crops are lost before they can be harvested.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The initiative described is a multi-stakeholder partnership. It involves a federal agency (USDA), a state agency (“Arkansas Department of Agriculture”), a public university (“University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture”), and civil society/industry groups (“Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association,” “Arkansas Pecan Growers Association”). This collaboration exemplifies a partnership to achieve common goals.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 2

   • Implied Indicator for Target 2.3: The success of promotional campaigns can be measured by “consumer awareness and sales” of Arkansas-grown blackberries. An increase in sales would directly reflect a rise in income for producers.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 2.4: The adoption rate by growers of the “research-based control guidance” for strawberry disease would serve as an indicator for the implementation of resilient agricultural practices.
   • Mentioned Indicator for Target 2.a: The article explicitly states the total investment amount: “$336,560 in funding” provided through the grant program for agricultural research and marketing.

2. Indicators for SDG 8

   • Implied Indicator for Target 8.2: The “commercial feasibility” of the new annual blackberry production system, if proven positive, would be an indicator of innovation leading to higher productivity.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 8.3: The number of new “wholesale and retail partnerships” established by the Arkansas Pecan Growers Association as a result of their new marketing plan would be a clear indicator of the growth of small-scale enterprises.

3. Indicators for SDG 12

   • Implied Indicator for Target 12.3: A measurable reduction in strawberry crop loss attributed to Neopestalotiopsis disease on farms that implement the new best management practices would serve as an indicator for reducing food loss at the production level.

4. Indicators for SDG 17

   • Mentioned Indicator for Target 17.17: The article provides a specific financial figure for the partnership: the “$336,560” grant funded by the USDA and administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for projects involving university and grower associations. This dollar amount represents a quantifiable commitment to the partnership.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: talkbusiness.net