ODAFF Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG) administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry (ODAFF) aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Oklahoma by providing federal pass-through funds from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS). The program operates under Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 and the Agricultural Act of 2014, supporting a broad scope of projects that increase the market reach, safety, efficiency, and appeal of specialty crops. ODAFF releases this Request for Proposals (RFP) in anticipation of USDA funding, although USDA has not yet confirmed allocations for FY2026. Therefore, the application process is contingent on eventual federal approval and available funding, with modifications possible based on evolving USDA guidance. The program funds projects that promote specialty crops in domestic and international markets. These projects can focus on marketing, education, research, nutrition outreach, food safety, pest and disease control, conservation, product development, and improved distribution methods. Activities eligible for support include good agricultural, handling, and manufacturing practices, as well as child and adult nutrition education and environmental enhancements. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $100,000, and projects may run for up to two years. While USDA does not mandate a cost match, ODAFF requires applicants to provide a 20% match, either in cash or in-kind. Eligible applicants include state, local, or tribal governments; producer associations; academic institutions; community-based organizations; processors; and other stakeholders in the specialty crop sector. Applicants can apply individually or collaboratively, and multiple submissions are permitted. However, projects that benefit only a single organization or product line are disallowed. Grants cannot fund political activity, capital construction, or costs incurred outside the approved project period. To be eligible, projects must produce measurable outcomes that benefit the broader industry or public, not individual businesses. Dissemination of project results is required. Applications must be submitted electronically to Jason Harvey at ODAFF by 5:00 PM Central Time on February 27, 2026. A complete submission must include the full grant proposal and letters of support from at least three specialty crop producers in Oklahoma. Applicants must also obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov. All grant funds are reimbursed upon submission of approved documentation, and up to 10% may be withheld until a final report is submitted. Only expenses incurred after full grant approval are reimbursable, and documentation such as receipts and invoices must be retained for audit purposes. Project evaluation will be conducted by a review panel of industry experts appointed by ODAFF. The panel scores proposals using a published rubric and submits its recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture. Upon approval, the state’s proposal is sent to USDA-AMS for final funding determinations. Award announcements are expected by October 2026. Grantees will be monitored via site visits and are expected to submit regular progress, annual (if applicable), and final reports. Failure to submit reports can result in the return of grant funds and disqualification from future cycles. This program is part of a broader USDA initiative supporting specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops. ODAFF encourages projects that go beyond individual commercial interests to build capacity and competitiveness across the Oklahoma specialty crop sector. Recipients must comply with all relevant federal and state regulations, including cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200 and SCBG Terms and Conditions. Indirect costs are only allowable as in-kind match and must not exceed 8% of the total project budget.

Proposals must benefit the broader industry, not a single entity. Letters of support from producers are required. Avoid proposals promoting only a single business or product.