WSU Researchers Win $15 Million in USDA Specialty Crop Research Grants

Washington State University research teams have been awarded more than $15 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants aimed at specialty crops such as tree fruit, wine grapes and potatoes. They will receive nearly a third of the $47.3 million awarded nationally, which places them among the top recipients in the country. USDA started its Specialty Crop Research Initiative in 2008 to target research funding to specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops. Designated research funds have not previously been available for these crops, unlike the long-established programs for commodity crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans. Last year, WSU received $3.3 million, or about 12 percent of the total awarded. This year, WSU scientists -- working in interdisciplinary teams -- will receive $15.3 million, either through direct grants or as subcontractors on projects led by other institutions. The research teams will study a wide variety of topics, from the most basic science at the cellular level to applied best practices which solve problems growers face in the orchard and field.

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