Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced on Thursday that Surry County Government is one of 20 recipients in grants being given to help North Carolina farmers grow more profitable crops. The organizations have been awarded the grants to enhance the competitiveness of the specialty crops in the marketplace.

The specialty crops throughout the state include Christmas trees, sweet potatoes, strawberries, dried fruits, turfgrass and sod, vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, nursery and greenhouse crops.

Over $1 million dollars will be distributed between the 20 recipients.

The program, managed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program established by the 2008 farm bill.

Grant proposals ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 were submitted by non-profit organizations and corporations, commodity associations, state and local governments, and colleges and universities. Committees made up of representatives of a variety of agricultural and marketing groups in North Carolina made the grant decisions.

“There were many worthy projects, and the competition for funds was intense,” Troxler said. “The 28 selected projects should help North Carolina farmers grow more profitable crops, which in turn can help them stay on their farms.”