Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

PROJECT PURPOSE

Investment through grants in a variety of programs aimed at revitalization of rural Oklahoma and the state's agriculture industry including ag product development and value-added processing, food animal veterinary support, ag labor programs, and disaster preparedness; Programs would be administered by ODAFF but projects would be reviewed and selected by and independent group consisting of ag industry experts from a variety of sectors

EVIDENCE

This project would be similar to the existing Ag Enhancement and Diversification grant and loan program. Applicants would be eligible for the four categories mentioned above. The many years of success of the AEDB program and the success of the recent CARES Act meat processing grants support ODAFF's capability of administering this program to provide for other needs in agriculture and rural Oklahoma.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This program would increase food security, therefore benefitting all Oklahomans. The most direct impact would be on food producers and processors and rural communities. The pandemic impacted food supply chains and reduced availability of products for consumers. Projects funded by this proposal would mitigate future impacts to the supply chain by supporting expansion and diversification of these businesses.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Data on expenditures and impact would be collected by ODAFF on a regular basis using processes already in place for other grant programs the agency administers. Similar to the CARES Act Meat Processing grant administration, receipts and documentation would be due from grantees on specified dates and grantees will be regularly surveyed to determine economic impact (jobs created, productivity and revenue increase, etc.)

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding