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 visit the CDFA subscription sign up page to receive notifications of future funding opportunities.
2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Conventional)
2025 Grant Proposal Instructions – By Invitation Only
Proposal Supplements
| 2025 SCBGP Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phase II: Grant Proposal (by invitation only) | ||
| Grant proposals due | January 13, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PT | |
| Grant proposals to USDA for approval | May 2025 | |
| Awards | ||
| Announce and Award Funding | Fall 2025 | |
2025 SCBGP Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program
The intent of the Additional Assistance Program is to provide a process through which organizations that have been historically underrepresented in the SCBGP can participate and successfully implement their SCBGP projects. Eligibility for the Additional Assistance Program includes non-profit organizations, Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized), and K-12 school districts that have not previously received SCBGP funding, do not have technical expertise with grant writing, and who work directly in either supporting underserved and beginning farmers or providing nutrition education and/or access to specialty crops in underserved communities.
Applicants are eligible to receive technical assistance on the Additional Assistance Program application and should email grants@cdfa.ca.gov as soon as possible to begin receiving assistance with their Concept Proposal.
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