The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and enlistment for its Technical Review Committee (TRC, a key opportunity for organizations committed to boosting California’s specialty crop industry.
What the SCBGP offers
CDFA’s SCBGP supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Applicants may request grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with project durations of up to two years and eight months. Eligible applicants include non-profits, for-profits, local/state/Tribal government entities, and public or private colleges and universities.
This is part of the broader USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Federally, SCBGP awarded approximately $72.9 million in for 2025, with over $24 million allocated for California, empowering state agriculture departments to subaward locally led projects in marketing, education, research, and innovation.
Notably, the federal program requires no cost-share or matching funds, and explicit emphasis is placed on outreach, competitive review, transparency, and project sustainability.
How to apply in California
To participate:
Register and submit your Concept Proposal via California’s FAAST system by Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PT.
Visit CDFA’s SCBGP site for application templates, instructions, and upcoming webinars.
Contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration via [email protected] or (916) 657-3231 for support.
Join the Technical Review Committee
CDFA is also seeking qualified volunteers to evaluate grant proposals. If you have expertise in California’s specialty crop sector, you can apply by emailing your résumé or CV along with the completed application form to [email protected] by Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PT. Refer to the first page of the application form for specific qualifications and restrictions.
Specialty crops are a cornerstone of both California’s agricultural economy and consumer health. CDFA’s program ensures that targeted investments—whether in research, marketing, food safety, or sustainable practices—are supported with professional guidance and funding. Combined with USDA’s national framework of nearly $73 million annually, California growers and organizations are positioned to compete, innovate, and thrive.
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