ODA Accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Proposals

The Oregon Department of Agriculture accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding. In 2025, USDA will make approximately $2 million available to Ag 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 include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. Oregon ranks in the top ten nationwide in the production of specialty crops.

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. Applicants can submit their applications online, by noon Pacific Standard Time on Friday, January 31st.

ODA is offering online recorded, virtual training to give applicants an in-depth look at the program and explain the grant writing process step-by-step. Details, including the online training, are posted on ODA's website. https://oda.direct/SCBGP

A survey of specialty crop producers, associations, commissions, and other stakeholders to determine priority needs has identified the following 2025 SCBGP funding priorities.

Market Development and Access for international, regional, domestic, and local/farm direct markets
Food safety compliance and traceability
Cross-commodity collaboration
Addressing the regulatory burden
On-farm labor needs, workforce programs, or tools
Productivity enhancements, innovation, value-added products

Projects that must address one of the identified priorities are still eligible for funding if they meet all other program requirements. Details of the funding priorities can be found at https://oda.direct/SCBGPpriorities

In March 2025, an industry advisory committee will evaluate proposals and recommend the selection of top-ranked applicants to the ODA Director. Selected applicants will be submitted to USDA in the Oregon State Plan Application. Projects chosen to receive funding will be announced by November 2025.

Match funding is not a requirement of this program; however, applicants are highly encouraged to provide some level of match to show the project's importance, value, and sustainability beyond SCBGP funds.

ODA staff can provide applicants with directions on submitting grant proposal applications. Other information is available at https://oda.direct/SCBGP or by contacting ODA's Market Access and Certification Program at gabrielle.ugalde@oda.oregon.gov or 503-986-6473.

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