The Appalachian Center for Economic Networks in Athens is set to receive funds that would help area specialty crop producers break into the wholesale market.
ACEnet will receive $30,000 to aid Athens farmers’ expansion into market opportunities such as sale to restaurants and grocery stores as a part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, according to a release from Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown.
“We must utilize Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage to solve problems of the 21st Century,” Brown said in the release. “These funds will support ACEnet’s efforts to support local business development, promote entrepreneurship, and support new businesses making healthy, local food.”
The block grant program supports projects that are designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
