The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) with funding received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in domestic and international markets. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, tree nuts, Christmas trees, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The funding amount allocated to ODAFF each year is based on specialty crop acreage and production value in Oklahoma.

Eligible projects must provide broad benefits beyond just the applicant, contributing to the overall competitiveness of Oklahoma's specialty crop industry. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes, a strong return on investment, and a well-structured plan. Projects may address various areas, including but not limited to pest and disease control, food safety enhancements, the development of new seed varieties, increasing consumer demand, market development, and improvements in agricultural handling and manufacturing practices.

Eligible applicants include government agencies (local, state, and federal), nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and colleges and universities. The program encourages collaboration among industry stakeholders to maximize the impact of funded projects. Proposals should clearly outline how the project will enhance specialty crop competitiveness and provide measurable benefits to the broader agricultural sector.

The grant follows a structured timeline. The request for proposals (RFP) will be announced in January 2025, with a submission deadline of February 28, 2025. Applications will be reviewed between March and April 2025, after which selected proposals will be included in the State Plan submission to the USDA in May 2025. The final award announcements from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) are expected in October 2025.

Interested applicants should ensure their proposals align with program goals and meet all eligibility criteria. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact Jason Harvey at Jason.harvey@ag.ok.gov or (405) 606-1477.