SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting proposals for project ideas as part of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) for 2022. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available to agriculture industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for-profits, and local government agencies in Oregon. Funding for Oregon’s program is contingent upon federal funding for the SCBGP.

Specialty crops are commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. Oregon ranks in the top ten nationwide in the production of specialty crops.

For the 2022 SCBGP Request for Proposals, ODA has a single-phase process known as the Grant Proposal Application. ODA is requesting 15-page grant proposals from applicants describing their proposed projects. Submissions should be submitted online and must be received by Monday, January 31, 2022, at noon Pacific Standard Time.

ODA will offer online and live, recorded, virtual training to provide applicants with an in-depth look at the program and explain the grant writing process step-by-step. Details, including time and date for the online training, are posted on ODA’s website. https://oda.direct/SCBGP

ODA staff is available to provide applicants directions on submitting grant proposal applications, and other information is available at: https://oda.direct/SCBGP or by contacting ODA’s Market Access and Certification Program at (503) 986-6473.

— ODA