Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

​​​​​​​​​​​​The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) receives grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of Oregon's specialty crops. ODA accepts competitive applications for specialty crop grant funds annually. 

The following organizations can submit projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Oregon’s specialty crop industries:

• Non-profit organizations

• Local 

• Government entities

• For-profit organizations

• Industry trade associations

• Producer groups

• Commodity commissions

• Public and private colleges/universities

Award size. ODA publishes a suggested per-project range rather than a hard cap: "A range of $50,000 - $250,000 per project is suggested."

Match. None required, but it counts: "Though matching funds are not a requirement of the program; match is strongly encouraged to show the importance and value of the project and to show sustainability beyond SCBGP funds." Cash and in-kind both qualify.

How you get paid. Reimbursement only — "This is a reimbursement only program reimbursements are submitted through the SCBGP Coordinator for audit of allowable costs and prior approval of payments." You may only claim costs in the project budget ODA last approved, submitted through ODA's Reimbursement Expenditure Request for Funds workbook.

What is not payable. "Indirect costs are unallowable under Oregon's grant program" — including administrative and clerical salaries in most cases. Also excluded: fixed assets and personal property, any expenditure incurred before award, and administrative/indirect costs generally.

Term. "Projects must be completed within 2.5 years after project is given its initiation date"; funds cannot be spent before ODA issues that initiation date. Extensions are "awarded for very limited circumstances" and ODA must be notified at least 60 days before the project end date.

Strings attached. The project must benefit more than one organization or individual — "Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual."

The SCBGP is now open and accepting applications through the new online application system: https://data.oda.state.or.us/scbgp.html

See the 2026 Request for Applications for the SCBGP and the "How to Apply: Step By Step Guide to Online System" for details.

• SCBGP overview (video): https://youtu.be/kdneA5av0T4

• How to apply for the SCBGP (video): https://youtu.be/k7OhBjfmVZw

• How to Apply for the SCBGP: Step By Step Guide to Online System: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/Documents/Publications/MarketAccess/Speciality-Crop-Grant-How-To-Apply.pdf

• 2026 Request for Applications for the SCBGP: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/Documents/Publications/MarketAccess/Speciality-Crop-Grant-Application.pdf

• Sample SCBGP Application Example: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/Documents/Publications/MarketAccess/Speciality-Crop-Grant-App-Ex.pdf

• USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Information: http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp