Approximately $1 million may be available to specialty crop producers in Oregon as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for 2013. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting concept proposals for project ideas until Monday, February 19, at noon.

Oregon ranks fifth in the nation in production of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. Agriculture industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for profits and local government agencies in Oregon are invited to submit three-page concept proposals describing their proposed projects before the deadline.

 

Concept proposals may be submitted for a project within the suggested funding range of $25,000 to $100,000, and for a project timeline of up to two years. Applicants are highly encouraged to provide a dollar-for-dollar match. ODA has identified the following seven areas as the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding priorities:

• Market development and access

• Food safety compliance and traceability

• Efficiency of distribution systems

• Prevention and management of pests and diseases

• Training and equipping the next generation

• On-farm labor needs

• Productivity enhancements and innovation

Projects not addressing one of these identified priorities are still eligible for funding, as long as they meet all other program requirements. Funding for the program is also contingent upon federal funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

 

After the top proposals are selected by an industry advisory board in March, applicants will be asked to submit full grant proposals for a second round of evaluation. Projects chosen to receive funding will be announced by November 2013.

Related Links:

 

ODA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

 

USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program