Mass. farmers harvest federal grants

Programs to promote Massachusetts-grown flowers and highlight the health benefits of cranberries were among those funded by a federal grant, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources said.

Money from the grant also included $20,000 for an Internet marketing program for local apple growers and $42,096 for developing a new culinary tourism initiative that will promote farmers and chefs utilizing local specialty crops, the department said.

The projects were among those funded by the department through a federal Specialty Crop Block Grant, the department said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)