Deadline: 8-Oct-21
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)is now accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support all sectors of California’s specialty crop industry and improve the performance of California specialty crops within local, domestic, national, and international markets.
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Funding Information and Duration
- CDFA anticipates that up to $22 million will be awarded to projects enhancing the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Grant amounts range from $100,000 to $500,000.
- The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, six (6) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2022, or after April 30, 2025.
- Projects submitted to the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations Program will range from $50,000 to $100,000 and may last up to two years. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount less than the amount requested.
- Separate of the competitive process, CDFA may award up to $3 million for proposals that address urgent or critical issues affecting California specialty crop agriculture.
Eligibility Criteria
Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, and federal government entities,including tribal governments; and public or private colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. There is no limit on the number of concept proposals applicants may submit; however, each concept proposal must be for a wholly unique project.
- Additional notes to help determine eligibility:
- Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. For example, the program will not fund a project to start or expand a farm or business venture.
- Recipients cannot use grant funds to compete unfairly with private companies that offer equivalent products or services.
- Projects must enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Projects benefiting non-specialty crops will not be selected for funding.
- Projects must address at least one of the program priorities identified by CDFA.
- Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations proposals have additional eligibility restrictions.
For more information, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Specialty_Crop_Competitiveness_Grants/