The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is to boost the competitiveness of specialty crops. North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring spoke in favor of SCBCP at a crop insurance roundtable event in Fargo. “If there weren’t specialty crop block grants, 14 out of 54 crops, including dry beans, potatoes, sunflowers, peas, and lentils, wouldn’t have research or the ability to create better access to consumers.” North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said there’s a lot of support for specialty crops in the Upper Chamber, citing Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow as a strong voice. Stabenow represents Michigan, another state known for its diverse crop mix.
