A US Department of Agriculture report found locally produced foods sold directly at farmers markets or grocers amounted to $4.8 billion dollars in 2008.
The USDA predicts locally-grown foods will generate $7 billion in sales this year.
The report also found direct sales almost doubled in the past two decades,
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Farmers interested in growing specialty crops can get state help.
Up to $400 thousand is available for each project through the state's specialty crop block grant program.
Farmers can get help to grow specialty fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.
The deadline to apply is December 12.
