Silver Springs, MD., September, 2024 – AfriThrive is excited to announce that it has been awarded funding as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The Maryland Department of Agriculture will fund six projects this year, including AfriThrive’s initiative that focuses on cultivating, preserving, and increasing demand for culturally significant African specialty crops, including pumpkin leaves, African nightshades (Managu), and Spider leaves (Saga).

The funding to Maryland, totaling over $456,000, is part of a broader national effort by the USDA, which awarded $72.9 million across 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia in FY 2024. These funds are designated to strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and expand markets, ensuring that Americans have access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops. The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s projects focus on various aspects, such as marketing, food safety, and cultivar research.

“We are thrilled to receive this critical support from the USDA and Maryland Department of Agriculture. This grant will help us empower immigrant and refugee farmers by providing them with the resources and training to successfully cultivate African specialty crops and bring these nutritious products to a broader market,” said Dr. Truphena Choti, AfriThrive Founder and CEO. “Our work helps bridge cultural and agricultural traditions while creating new opportunities for communities to thrive through sustainable farming practices.”

USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt, emphasized the significance of these grants, stating, “The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops. It also supports the long-term success of regional specialty crop growers.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program plays a crucial role in Maryland’s agricultural sector, ensuring the state remains competitive on both regional and national levels. Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks commented, “The diverse projects funded this year, including AfriThrive’s, highlight the wide range of specialty crops grown in our state and the importance of supporting growers from all backgrounds.”

AfriThrive’s project aligns with its mission to empower underserved communities through food security, agricultural development, and economic advancement. The grant will bolster the organization’s efforts to enhance food sovereignty and increase the visibility of African specialty crops in the Maryland market.

For more information on the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and to view the full list of awarded projects, click on this link. 

About AfriThrive

AfriThrive is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing food security, agricultural development, and economic empowerment among immigrant and refugee communities. Through its Cultural Farm and training programs, AfriThrive helps beginning farmers grow culturally significant crops such as pumpkin leaves, African nightshades (Managu), and Spider leaves (Saga). Learn more at www.afrithrive.org.

USDA Information
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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