California is accepting proposals for the 2024 round of specialty crop block grants, and is also seeking applicants to the program’s technical review committee.

Specialty crop grants

Each year, the state Department of Food and Agriculture conducts a two-phase competitive solicitation process to award funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.

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 government entities; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Review the 2024 Request for Concept Proposals for detailed application instructions.

All applicants must register online with AmpliFund to apply. Concept Proposals must be submitted electronically using AmpliFund by Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at 5 p.m.

CDFA will conduct a series of webinars featuring an overview of the program, a review of Concept Proposal questions, and a demonstration of the AmpliFund application system. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit CDFA’s SCBGP website for full details; contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at [email protected] or call (916) 657-3231 for additional information.

Technical panel

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

Interested individuals must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé/CV to [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. 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; contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at [email protected], or call (916) 657-3231 for additional information. 

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture