The state of Oregon saw an increase this year in the amount of money awarded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  The state was awarded nearly $1.9 million this year, up from the $1.7 million a year earlier.  Oregon ranks 7th in the nation when it comes to specialty crop production.

 

With these funds, the Oregon Department of Agriculture will awarded grants ranging from $25,000 to $175,000, at nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and colleges and universities.  There are several areas the ODA will focus on when handing out grants, including market development, food safety development, pest and disease management and more.

 

The USDA allocated more than $72 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program nationwide.

 

For more information and summary of all funded projects please visit the ODA's Website.

 

“Oregon is very competitive and consistantly brings forward creative and inventive Specialty Block Grant projects,” said the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Director Alexis Taylor. “Over the last decade the state has received more than $17 million in funding from the SCBGP, with more than 200 projects statewide. We are confident this year’s projects will continue our legacy of success and lead to improvements our industry.”

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network