Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program offered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is a competitive grant program designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Oregon. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. This program aligns with the national goals set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered in Oregon through the Market Access and Certification Program. The program encourages innovation and collaboration through research, market access strategies, education, and outreach projects that benefit more than just one organization or individual. Grant funding ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 per project and is awarded on a reimbursement-only basis. Funded projects may span up to 2.5 years and must demonstrate measurable outcomes for the broader specialty crop industry. Eligible costs include direct project expenses; however, indirect costs are unallowable. Match funding is not required but is strongly encouraged to demonstrate project value and sustainability. Allowable matching includes both cash and in-kind contributions, such as personnel time or use of equipment. Funding may not be used to support activities that promote individual businesses, purchase capital equipment for personal use, or benefit a single entity’s profitability without broader public impact. The application process requires submission through ODA's online portal, with no email or FTP submissions allowed. Each applicant must register an account, complete the structured application, and submit by the stated deadline. Applications must include a title page, project proposal, work plan, matching funds documentation, and optionally, up to five letters of support. The proposal must describe the project’s purpose, beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with program priorities. These include marketing and promotion of specialty crops, research and innovation, access expansion, workforce development, and food safety initiatives. Projects are reviewed in three stages: administrative screening, technical merit evaluation by a multi-sector advisory committee, and a final selection by ODA leadership. Review criteria emphasize measurable outcomes, industry impact, feasibility, realistic budgeting, and collaboration. Selected proposals are submitted to USDA for final approval in the Oregon State Plan before any project work can begin. Project performance is monitored throughout the funding period, with mandatory reporting and financial compliance required. The 2026 grant cycle opens on December 1, 2025, and closes on January 30, 2026, at noon. Awards are reviewed in spring, with USDA approvals expected by September 2026. Approved projects may begin as early as October 2026. The program is anticipated to recur annually. For support, applicants may contact Gabrielle Ugalde, SCBGP Coordinator, via email at gabrielle.ugalde@oda.oregon.gov or by phone at 503-986-6473. Additional application guidance and tutorials are available at https://oda.direct/SCBGP.

Projects must show benefit beyond a single entity; match contributions and multi-stakeholder collaborations strengthen the proposal; adhere strictly to required components and deadline.