The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the Connecticut Agriculture Department $429,936 to help farmers strengthen the market for specialty crops.

The state secured specialty crop block grants to partner with Wholesome Wave to double the amount of benefits low-income residents can use at farmer's markets; and to partner with the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association Inc. to enhance the competitiveness of Connecticut fruit and vegetable producers.

"This investment in Connecticut's specialty crop industry will not only help our state's farmers, but the residents who rely on farmers markets and other programs," said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.