SALEM — The Oregon Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for projects as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for 2022.

The department in a press release reported it expects approximately $1.5 million to be available to agriculture industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, nonprofits, 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 10 nationwide in the production of specialty crops.

For 2022, the ODA is requesting 15-page grant proposals from applicants describing their projects. Submissions are due by Jan. 31, 2022, at noon.

The state ag department will offer online and live, recorded, virtual training to provide applicants with an in-depth look at the program and explain the grant writing process. Details, including time and date for the online training, are at oda.direct/SCBGP.

Details of the funding priorities are online at oda.direct/SCBGPpriorities.

An industry advisory committee will evaluate proposals in March and make recommendations to the ODA director. Selected applicants will be submitted to the USDA and will be announced by November 2022.

ODA staff is available to assist and provide information at oda.direct/SCBGP or by contacting the ODA’s Market Access and Certification Program at 503-986-6473.