The Oregon Department of Agriculture is currently accepting proposals for the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  Roughly $1.5 million is expected to be 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.

 

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

 

Program Priorities:

 

Based on a survey of specialty crop producers, associations, commissions, and other stakeholders to determine priority needs, the following 2020 funding priorities have been identified.

  • Market Development and Access for international, regional, domestic, and local/farm direct markets
  • Food safety compliance and traceability
  • Cross commodity collaboration
  • Addressing regulatory burden
  • On-farm labor needs, workforce programs or tools
  • Productivity enhancements, innovation, value added products
  • Agriculture and food-related priorities identified by Oregon Solutions Network Regional Solutions Centers

Projects not addressing one of the identified priorities are still eligible for funding, as long as they meet all other program requirements.

 

Details of the funding priorities can be found on the ODA’s Website.  To apply, ODA is requesting 15-page grant proposal describing the proposed projects, and must be submitted on-line by Tuesday January 31st.

 

Anyone with questions should call (503) 986-6473

 

 

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

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