TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS WANTED FOR CALIFORNIA SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Individuals with interest and expertise in the agricultural sector are encouraged to apply.

SACRAMENTO, November 4, 2013 - California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is announcing the opportunity to serve as a reviewer on the 2014 Specialty Crop Block Grant Technical Review Committee. This committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding from the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops - fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Grant awards range from $50,000 to $400,000 per project. Funding is contingent upon passage of a Farm Bill and available funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA, AMS).

The Specialty Crop Technical Review Committee will consist of individuals who have knowledge and expertise regarding California’s specialty crop industry, and who may represent government and non-government organizations. The timeframe for reviewing proposals is between January and May 2014. The first meeting will be held in January 2014. By establishing the Technical Review Committee, CDFA maintains a competitive process to ensure maximum public input and benefit.

Individuals interested in serving on the Technical Review Committee should include a letter of interest, short biography, and statement of qualifications identifying the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding category or categories related to the applicants area of expertise. For a description of the funding categories, please reference the Notice of Funding Availability posted at www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants. Information should be submitted via email to Leslie Sullivan (grants@cdfa.ca.gov) before December 2, 2013.

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