January 7, 2013	Request for concept proposals published
January 15, 2013 at 2pm PST	Training (Webinar*): concept proposal
January 17, 2013 at 2pm PST	Training (Webinar**): concept proposal
February 19, 2013, 12:00pm PST	Concept proposals due to ODA
April 8, 2013	Invitation by ODA to submit grant proposals
April 12, 2013, 10-11am PST	Training: grant proposal
May 10, 2013, 12:00pm PST	Grant proposals due to ODA
June 7, 2013	Subgrantee partners selected by ODA
June 28, 2013	ODA state application submitted to USDA
October/November 2013	Award announcements from USDA

U​nder the Farm Bill, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) receives grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to solely enhance the competitiveness of Oregon's specialty crops. ODA conducts an annual competitive application process to award grant funds.
Funding for 2013 is contingent on the passage of the Farm Bill (Agricultural Reform, Food and Jobs act of 2012).
 
For the purposes of this program, specialty crops are defined as commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture and horticulture).
 
Feed crops, food grains, livestock, dairy products, seafood products and oil seed crops are NOT eligible. See a complete list of eligible crops under the grant program at the USDA specialty crop block grant website at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.
 
Eligible non-profit organizations, local, government entities, for-profit organizations, industry trade associations, producer groups, and commodity commissions can submit projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Oregon’s specialty crop industries.
 
The Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Guideline​s will answer all of your questions about Oregon's program.

Annually, the ODA submits a state plan to the USDA that includes projects that seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state.  The ODA partners with groups and organizations to achieve this goal, while ensuring project activities are completed and targeted outcomes are met.
 
To view the projects download the following PDFs:

• FY2012
• FY2011
• FY2010
• FY2009

The suggested project funding range is between $25,000 and $100,000 and projects may have a timeline of up to 2 years. Applicants are highly encouraged to provide evidence of matching funds, either in-kind or cash. A 1:1 cash match is preferable to in-kind, but all types of matching funds will be considered. Funded projects are eligible to receive grant funds on a quarterly reimbursement schedule. No advance payments will be made.
 
The Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Guidelines will answer all of your questions about Oregon's program.
 
Program Funding Priorities (in no order of preference): 

• Market development and access, 
• International
• Understanding and addressing trade barriers or regulatory constraints in foreign markets (e.g. tariffs, TRQs, FTAs, quotas, bilateral agreements).
• Obtaining market information and providing product exposure through trade shows, conferences, seminars, market research, consumer testing, in-bound and outbound trade missions, etc. 
• Applying new technologies to help identify new customers and facilitate shipments (e.g. packaging configurations, customer data, logistics, transportation enhancements, etc.).

• Local/farm-direct, regional and domestic markets 
• Obtaining market information and providing product exposure through trade shows, conferences, seminars, market research, consumer testing, in-bound and outbound trade missions, etc. 
• Connect farmers to consumers by enhancing direct marketing opportunities that highlight production practices, farmers, and growing locations.
• Support the development and advancement of co-operatives to leverage grower and producer efforts.
• Develop and enhance economic opportunities in local communities, such as agri-tourism that increase the awareness and consumption of specialty crops.
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops by expanding access at schools, at work and in local neighborhoods​

Exclusions:

• Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide profit only to a single organization, institution or individual.
• Funds may not be used to purchase fixed assets or personal property.
• Expenditures incurred prior to grant award may not be included in the grant request or eligible for reimbursement.
• Administration or indirect costs (defined as expenses incurred in controlling or directing an organization, but not directly identifiable with financing, marketing or production operations) cannot be paid for with these grant funds.

• Any information obtained, data derived and reports resulting from a project funded by this grant must be made available to the public;
• No administration or indirect costs may be allotted in the project;
• Grant funds may not be used to fund political activities in accordance with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-7326);
• Projects are for up to two years in duration. The ODA must be notified at least 60 days prior to the ending date of the project if for any reason the project cannot be completed within the timeframe established in the grant;
• The applicant must provide progress reports, with expenditures to date, two times per year;
• All travel related meals & incidentals will be reimbursed at the Federal per diem rate and not based on actual expenditures;
• Travel and other expenses must follow federal and state guidelines for use of federal funds, as defined by OMB Circular A-87, or other relevant policies.

• Any major revision of project scope or obectives after a project is funded;
• Need to extend the project period;
• Change in key persons associated with the project.

• Reject any or all proposals received;
• Waive or modify minor irregularities in proposals received after prior notification and agreement of applicant;
• Provide partial funding for specific proposal components that may be less than the full amount requested in the grant application;
• Require a good faith effort from the project sponsor to work with ODA subsequent to project completion to develop reporting data or implement the project results, where applicable;
• Withhold any payments that do not meet grant conditions.
• Require return or refund of grant monies used for expenditures that are not allowed or unauthorized.

Two-phase Competitive Process
The Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has a two-phase competitive solicitation process:

• Phase I, Concept Proposal
• Phase II, Grant Proposal

 
Phase I,  Concept Proposal - The 2014 funding cycle will open up in February, 2014.

Briefly describe the project in a 3 page concept proposal.  Applicants are required to used the Concept Proposal Template.

The concept proposal must address the following areas of the project: 

• Cover page (not included in 3 page limit)
• Project Purpose
• Potential Impact
• Expected Measurable Outcomes
• Work plan
• Budget table and narrative

Letters of Support
If you are submitting a concept proposal for a project that has multiple partner organizations or is a multi-state project, please attach a letter from the cooperating organizations indicating their participation and support of your proposal.
 
Multiple Applications
Applicants may submit multiple concept proposals, but each proposal must be submitted separately. Concept proposals that are longer than three pages or are not responsive to the requirements listed above may be rejected. Following ranking by the industry advisory board, all applicants will be informed whether or not they have been invited to submit a grant proposal.  
          
                      
Phase II,  Grant Proposal
Selected concept proposals have been invited to submit a 6 page grant proposal - due no later than May 10, 2013, 12:00 pm PST ​

• Full grant proposal template
• Full Grant Proposal Checklist
• Program Logic Model
• Webinar:  Full Grant Proposal Training