The Oregon Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The deadline for concept proposals for projects is noon Feb. 18.

About $1 million could be available to agriculture industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, nonprofits and local government agencies in Oregon.

Specialty crops are defined as commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. Oregon ranks fifth in the nation in production of specialty crops.

For more information, go to http://oregon.gov/ODA/ADMD/Pages/grants_spec_crops.aspx or call 503-872-6600.