The California Department of Food and Agriculture is accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant project funding, and is also accepting applications for members of a technical committee reviewing the program.

SCBG grants

Each year, CDFA conducts a two-phase competitive solicitation process to award funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops, which are defined to include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Grant awards will range from $100,000 to $500,000 per project; projects may last for up to two years and eight months. Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, federal, and Tribal governments; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Review the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals for detailed application instructions.

All applicants must register online using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST) to apply. Concept Proposals must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PT.

CDFA will conduct a series of webinars this week and next featuring an overview of the program, a review of Concept Proposal questions, and a demonstration of the FAAST application system.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit CDFA’s SCBGP website For full details, please contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at [email protected] or call (916) 657-3231 for additional information.

Washington also began accepting SCBG proposals on Aug. 15 and will take them through noon Oct. 15.

The Evergreen State also has a two-phase process. Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $250,000 per project and projects may last for up to three years. Visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant webpage for more information.

Technical Review Committee

California’s Technical Review Committee is comprised of volunteers with knowledge and expertise regarding the state’s specialty crop industry. The committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding to California’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Interested individuals must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé/CV to [email protected] before 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Reference the first page of the application form for requirements and restrictions.

For more information and to download the application, visit CDFA’s SCBGP website or contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at [email protected], or call (916) 657-3231.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture, Washington State Department of Agriculture