OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is accepting applications through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. More than $542,000.00 is available in competitive grant funding to enhance the specialty crop industry.
The program’s funding opportunities are made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service.
ODAFF Market Development Coordinator Jason Harvey said eligible applicants include non-profits, local, state, and federal government entities, for-profit organizations, and colleges and universities.
“Projects must bolster competitiveness of specialty crop markets and benefit more than just the individual applicant,” Harvey said. “Specialty crops are a vital part of Oklahoma agriculture and applications will be evaluated on how projects enhance the competitiveness of Oklahoma’s specialty crop industry.”
Proposals may be for, but not limited to research, 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.
Projects involving the following specialty crops are eligible: fruits vegetables tree nuts culinary herbs and spices nursery, floriculture, and horticulture crops Applications that only benefit an individual grower or business are not eligible.
For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant and to apply, visit the ODAFF website. Completed grant applications must be emailed to Jason.harvey@ ag.ok.gov.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, 2024. For additional information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, contact Jason Harvey at 405-6061477.
