The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will receive nearly $700,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study hops, wine grapes and dry beans; monitor invasive pests; and encourage healthy snacking in schools.

The funding comes from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which supports the research, development and marketing of specialty crops. NDA manages the Nebraska program.

“Nebraska’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps add value to the state’s agricultural industry by encouraging the growth and development of more distinctive crops,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “By focusing on research and production, this year’s SCBGP projects will benefit specialty crop producers across the entire state.”

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