New!
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) invites you to participate in listening sessions for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These sessions are designed for specialty crop stakeholders to provide feedback to the CDFA SCBGP team ahead of the 2027 Request for Concept Proposals (RFCP) on specific topics related to the program.
Are you eligible for the SCBGP?
- Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
- Eligible entities include:
- Non-profit and for-profit organizations
- Local, state, and federal government entities, including Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized)
- Public or private colleges and universities
- Individuals are not eligible to apply.
- Projects must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole; projects designed to primarily benefit one or more individuals or organizations are not eligible.
2027 Listening Session 1
- Wednesday 7/8/2026, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PT
- Agenda Topics: Guidance Documents including the Request for Concept Proposals (RFCP) & Program Priorities
- Registration
2027 Listening Session 2
- Thursday 7/23/2026, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PT
- Agenda Topics: Review Process, Technical Review Committee, and Timelines
- Registration
2027 Listening Session 3
- Friday 7/31/2026, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PT
- Agenda Topics: Application Process & Forms
- Registration
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducts an annual competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website.
For a description of projects awarded, visit the Awards page.
Please sign up for our email list if you would like to be notified of future SCBGP funding opportunities.
2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Public Meeting Minutes
| 2026 SCBGP Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phase II: Grant Proposal (by invitation only) | ||
| Grant proposals to USDA for approval | May 2026 | |
| Awards | ||
| Announce and Award Funding | Fall 2026 | |
2026 SCBGP Additional Assistance for Limited Resource Applicants Program
| Concept Proposal | Date |
|---|---|
| Grant Proposals to USDA for Approval | May 2026 |
| Announce and award funding | Fall 2026 |
Alert: Possible Scam
CDFA Grant Notifications Requesting Payment in Exchange for Grant Awards
CDFA has been made aware of numerous scams soliciting payment from applicants to award grants. CDFA does not charge fees for application or administration of grants and awards are never made based on payments from applicants. If you believe you may be a victim of this effort, you are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement (Police or Sheriff's Department).
Program Status
Updates by Text/Email
Grant Resources
Additional Links
Contact Us
Office of Grants Administration
1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Tel: (916) 657-3231
grants@cdfa.ca.gov