The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting concept proposals for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
This program supports projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. SCBGP funds initiatives that strengthen all sectors of California’s specialty crop industry, helping improve performance in local, domestic, national, and international markets. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture.
Funding Areas & Program Priorities
- Market Enhancement – Projects that expand, strengthen, or develop new markets for specialty crops.
- Access, Education, and Training – Efforts to increase access to specialty crops, provide training, and improve knowledge within the industry or among consumers.
- Category A: Healthy Specialty Crops for All Californians
- Category B: Opportunity and Education for All California Specialty Crop Farmers
- Research – Projects that address critical needs in the specialty crop sector through applied or basic research.
- Category A: Environmental Stewardship, Conservation, and Sustainable Agriculture
- Category B: Plant Health and Pest Management
Concept Proposal Due date: September 11, 2025. 5:00 p.m.
By Invite Only Full Proposals Due: January 2026
Grant Amounts: $100,000–$500,000
Duration: 2 years, 8 months
2026 Technical Review Committee (TRC) – Call for Volunteers
CDFA is also seeking volunteer Technical Review Committee members with knowledge and expertise in California’s specialty crop industry. The TRC reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations on proposals submitted to the SCBGP. Interested individuals must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé/CV to grants@cdfa.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, September 15, 2025.
For more details visit the CDFA SCBGP website