The Kansas Department of Agriculture receives over $328,000 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

One of those recipients includes the Montgomery County Farm of the Future. Coffeyville Public Schools will increase their students’ knowledge of specialty crop production by placing an indoor farm classroom at the high school. Students will learn agriculture, plant science, nutrition, business marketing, and food preparation skills. This classroom will be managed by high school students and will produce leafy green vegetables to be served in their district’s cafeterias.