Specialty Crop Grants Now Available

Specialty Crop Grants Now Available

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Funding opportunities to enhance the specialty crop industry within the state are now available, thanks to stimulus money allocated to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Services. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations and colleges and universities. In addition, individual businesses and producers will be eligible for projects addressing a response to COVID-19.

“The stimulus money for this grant program will provide an opportunity for producers to respond to pandemic challenges as well as help consumers understand the safety of their food,” said Jason Harvey, ODAFF Agriculture Marketing Coordinator.

To be eligible, projects must enhance the competitiveness of an Oklahoma specialty crop. Projects are encouraged to reflect a response to the impacts of COVID-19 but still must follow standard SCBGP rules. 

Projects involving the following specialty crops are eligible: fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, as well as nursery, floriculture and horticulture crops. Proposals may be for but not limited to: promotion, marketing, nutrition, food safety and security, education, increased knowledge and consumption, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, conservation, product development, food agricultural practices, good handling practices and good manufacturing practices. 

Grant proposals must be received via email to Jason.harvey@odaff-staging.kochcomm.dev no later than 5:00 p.m. on September, 24, 2021 

Online resources include a Specialty Crop Grant Program application, grant application manual, and an evaluation form. For more details, visit our website page at https://odaff-staging.kochcomm.dev/economic-development-and-agriculture-markets/.

For additional information, contact Jason Harvey at 405-606-1477.

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