SCHEDULE SET FOR 2013 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM WORKSHOPS

Workshops to be held in Monterey, Los Angeles, Imperial, Fresno, Tulare, Lake, & Yolo County

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SACRAMENTO, October 11, 2012 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture will be conducting workshops and webinars on the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program competitive solicitation process.  All prospective applicants are encouraged to participate.  The purpose of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.  Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.

Workshops will be held in the following locations:

Monday, November 5, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Ag Center Conference Room
County of Monterey Agricultural Center, 1432 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA 93901
 
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Suite 202
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, 600 Hampshire Rd, Ste 200, Westlake Village, CA 91361
 
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
Imperial County Farm Bureau, 1000 Broadway Street, El Centro, CA 92243
 
Thursday, November 8, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Room 2165
Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
 
Thursday, November 8, 2012 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Dining Hall
Tulare Masonic Lodge Association, 135 W Tulare Ave., Tulare, CA 93274
 
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Board Chambers
Lake County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 255 North Forbes Street, Lakeport, CA 94543
 
Thursday, November 15, 2012 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Room 215
USDA, Farm Service Agency, 430 G Street, Davis, CA 95616
 
Webinars will be held:

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Webinar information will provided upon registration.

There is no cost to attend the workshops or webinars. Space is limited at each workshop location. Individuals planning to attend should e-mail grants@cdfa.ca.gov with their contact information, number of seats required and workshop location.

Funding for the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is contingent upon Farm Bill passage and the availability of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Currently, without a Farm Bill in place, the USDA can no longer provide new commitments for programs for which the department’s funding or authority has expired – the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is one of these programs.

Please visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants to for information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and view abstracts of previously funded projects.

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