$5M Grant Awarded to Create East Coast Broccoli Corridor

RICHMOND, Va.Researchers have received a $3.2-million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and $1.7 million in private contributions to create new varieties of broccoli that can be grown on the East Coast. The new varieties, designed to withstand extreme heat and humidity, could add approximately $100 million to the already $1 billion broccoli market coffers.

As reported by the Associated Press, establishing a broccoli corridor" from Florida to Maine will curb transport costs from California where the majority of broccoli is grown thanks to ideal temperatures and climates. East Coast farmers anticipated the new varieties could reap $100 million in the next five to 10 years while supporting the sustainable and locally grown produce movement.

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