WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Federal dollars are headed to several local specialty crop projects.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Washington nearly $4.7 million through its 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with local recipients accounting for more than $1.1 million of that funding.

Among the local recipients, the Northwest Cider Association in Mount Vernon received nearly $250,000 to promote Washington cider, while Viva Farms was awarded about $249,000 to help specialty crop farmers expand their businesses.

In Whatcom County, Kulshan Carbon Trust received more than $212,000 for blueberry research focused on soil health and biochar in partnership with Bow Hill Blueberries.

Washington State University researchers in Mount Vernon also received funding for blueberry pollination and cider apple research.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture says the grants will help growers improve productivity, resilience and market opportunities.