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WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced over $1.9 million in funding awarded to Oregon through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through this program, the Oregon Department of Agriculture will fund projects that strengthen Oregon’s specialty crop industry through marketing, education, and research.
“We are happy to once again be partnered with Oregon on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region’s specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success.”
Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Oregon Department of Agriculture will fund 11 projects. Among Oregon’s projects is funding to the Black Food Sovereignty Coalition to expand farm based experiential learning opportunities through community-led events to promote the awareness, consumption, and value of Oregon's specialty crops in Black communities. Additional funded projects focus in areas such as pest management, training for specialty crop growers, and technology for vegetable and seed production.
“Oregon is a special place filled with amazing people, the FY 24 SCBGP award allows us to showcase our shared dedication to overcoming challenges and taking on opportunities in our communities,” said Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson. “I take great pride in supporting these projects committed to research, capacity building for producers, market development, and supporting local food systems that will benefit Oregon’s specialty crop producers, their products and the diverse communities across the state.”
The funding to Oregon is part of a total of $72.9 million in non-competitive FY 2024 funding awarded to 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops. USDA’s support will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production, expand markets, and ensure an abundant, affordable supply of highly nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops is available to all Americans.
View more information on the 2024 SCBGP Awarded Grants (pdf).
AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.
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