MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR 2011 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

SACRAMENTO, October 26, 2010 — California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary A.G. Kawamura is pleased to announce the opportunity to serve as a reviewer on the 2011 Specialty Crop Block Grant Technical Review Committee. The role of the Technical Review Committee is to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on applications to fund projects that will ensure the continued competitiveness of California specialty crops. CDFA forwards recommendations along to the USDA, which funds the block grants through the federal Farm Bill. Individuals interested in serving on the Committee are urged to apply by November 10, 2010.

It is anticipated that $55 million will be made available in 2011, with up to $17 million to be allocated to California specialty crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

The Specialty Crop Technical Review Committee will consist of individuals who are interested in specialty crops and who may represent government and non-government organizations. Members receive no compensation and are required to complete CDFA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Conflict of Interest form, and the Fair Political Practices Commission’s Statement of Economic Interests form. Committee members are entitled to payment for necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Personnel Administration.

The timeframe for reviewing applications is between January 2011 and June 2011. By establishing the Technical Review Committee, CDFA is adhering to the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act, which encourages the development of state plans through a competitive process to ensure maximum public input and benefit.

Individuals seeking consideration should submit a resume and letter of interest to work on behalf of California’s specialty crop industry. Applications should be sent by email to grants@cdfa.ca.gov attention: Kathy Alameda, Federal Funds Manager, at grants@cdfa.ca.gov.

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