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UDAF Seeks Applicants for 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is seeking grant proposals for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant. This funding is available for projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of Utah-grown specialty crops; specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture and nursery crops; a full list of specialty crops is available here.

“Utah is the nation’s second leading producer of tart cherries and climate produces some of the most desirable stone fruit in the nation, all of which are specialty crops that are vital important to our state,” said Kelly Pehrson, UDAF Interim Commissioner. “The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is proud to administer this grant program and looks forward to innovative developments in the state’s specialty crop industries.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food to administer federal funds from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. This grant is open to producers, private businesses, schools, trade associations, non-profits, farming and ranching co-ops, etc. headquartered in Utah. Applications for grant funds should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.

The application window will be open through April 9, 2025.  With current federal funding freezes, this funding could be reduced or cancelled, but UDAF is collecting applications with the hope that this funding will still be available. For more information, contact Allison Ross at [email protected] or visit https://ag.utah.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant-program.

Governor Cox Appoints Kelly Pehrson as UDAF Interim Commissioner

Governor Cox has appointed Kelly Pehrson to serve as Interim Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), effective March 8,  2025. Pehrson’s appointment follows the retirement of Commissioner Craig Buttars.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Interim Commissioner as I have loved working with  Utah’s farmers and ranchers as Deputy Commissioner, and I look forward to continuing to  support them and the vital work they do for our state,” said Pehrson.

Pehrson was appointed as UDAF Deputy Commissioner in April 2019 and has served under the last three commissioners. He also previously served as Interim Commissioner in 2020, giving him valuable experience in leading the department during times of transition. Prior to joining UDAF, Pehrson spent 12 years in public service in San Juan County, serving initially as City Manager in Monticello and later as the County Chief Administrative Officer.  

Pehrson will serve in this role until a permanent commissioner is selected by Governor Cox.

UDAF Commissioner Craig W Buttars Announces Retirement

Commissioner Craig W Buttars with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has announced his decision to retire, concluding four years of dedicated service to the State of Utah.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as the Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food,” said Buttars. “My love for agriculture and Utah’s farmers and ranchers has only grown stronger as I have served my time in this role. I hope they feel that I have represented them well and have helped make a positive impact for agriculture and the State of Utah.” 

Appointed by Governor Spencer Cox in January 2021, Buttars has provided steady leadership and fostered innovation within UDAF. Under his direction, the department has made significant strides in efficiency, policy development, and program expansion to better serve Utah’s agricultural community and the people of Utah.

During his tenure, Buttars has spearheaded key initiatives, including: 

  • creating the Utah Food Security Processing Grant, strengthening local food systems and expanding processing capacity; 

  • expanding the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, helping farmers and ranchers improve irrigation efficiency;

  • expanding and improving the Utah Medical Cannabis Program; 

  • improving internal operations, saving taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency; 

  • and ensuring the voices of Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and food businesses were represented in critical policy discussions such as Great Salt Lake strategies, public land management, and other state and national agricultural issues. 

Buttars’ retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished career in public service. Prior to his role at UDAF, Buttars served as Cache County Executive, a member of the Cache County Council, and as a representative for Utah House District 3. His commitment to Utah’s communities and agricultural industry has been unwavering.

Commissioner Buttars will finish out his appointment through the end of the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, after which, Governor Cox will appoint UDAF’s next commissioner.

 

Supporting the Lake and the Land – A Deseret News Article

The health of the Great Salt Lake and the vitality of Utah’s agricultural community are inextricably linked, and we are using solutions that support both.

Recent studies that single out agriculture — particularly alfalfa farming — as the primary cause of the Great Salt Lake’s decline are counterproductive, as they create a false dichotomy, pitting the lake against agriculture. This approach ignores the reality that farmers are essential partners in finding sustainable solutions, and their water and land stewardship are vital to a thriving environment.

When the Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan was developed, it kept in mind all water users and everyone who is impacted by the lake. That includes every Utahn in some way. That means it will require participation from every Utahn to help save the lake. It cannot fall on one industry, agency, business or person. Protecting and preserving the lake is a tall order and requires us to come together for solutions.

Read full article here.

A Utah Specialty Crop Grant Recipient

Amita Kaundel, a 2023 Utah Specialty Crop Grant recipient and professor at Utah State University, along with her team, is conducting research to improve the health of native plants and promote water-efficient farming and landscaping.

In this project, Amita and her team are working to isolate nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, Frankia, from the root nodules of two native plants: Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus) and Shepherdia utahensis ‘Torrey’ (hybrid buffaloberry). These plants are not only ideal for water-efficient landscaping but also provide a sustainable solution by fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Through their research, the team has been isolating Frankia from the nodules using innovative techniques like filtration and ultracentrifugation. While Frankia is challenging to culture due to its slow growth and specific nutrient needs, they’re refining their methods and testing new media to identify the best strains for these plants.

Learn more about the Utah Specialty Crop Block Grant program: https://ag.utah.gov/specialty-crop-block-grant-program/