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California Department of Food and Agriculture

Media Contacts: Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462,

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Release #10-003
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Secretary Kawamura Seeks Members for Specialty Crop Grant Program Technical Review Committee

SACRAMENTO, January 12, 2010 – California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura is announcing an opportunity to serve as a technical reviewer on the Specialty Crop Technical Review Committee.  This committee will review Specialty Crop Block Grant Program applications authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill.  Individuals interested in serving on the committee are urged to apply by January 25, 2010. 


“By working with our growers and processors we can keep California’s specialty crop sector competitive,” said Secretary A.G. Kawamura.  “This technical review committee will help determine projects that meet the agricultural needs of this state.” 


The 2008 Farm Bill amends the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004, providing increased federal funding to states through fiscal year 2012.  It is anticipated that $55 million will be made available in the current year, of which approximately $17 million would be allocated for California.  Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). 


The Specialty Crop Technical Review Committee will consist of up to 30 individuals who represent the diversity of California’s specialty crop industry. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.  By establishing the technical review committee, CDFA is adhering to amended language in the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act, which encourages the development of state plans through a competitive process to ensure maximum public input and benefit. 


Individuals interested in being considered should submit a resume and a letter of interest demonstrating their commitment to work on behalf of California’s specialty crop industry.  Committee members will review applications between February and June 2010 submitted under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill.  Applications should be sent to Kathy Alameda, California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Room 120, Sacramento, CA 95814 or emailed to kalameda@cdfa.ca.gov


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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov