CDFA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PROGRAM PRIORITIES FOR SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

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SACRAMENTO, August 1, 2019 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking public comments on the program priorities for the 2020 Special Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Through a two-phase competitive solicitation process, the SCBGP awards funds to projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

CDFA strives to clearly define the current needs of California's specialty crop industry. The priorities help guide prospective applicants to submit projects that address the most relevant issues affecting the industry.

To ensure effective program priorities, CDFA is asking for public comments and suggestions on the program priorities. Please review the Proposed Program Priorities (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Specialty_Crop_Competitiveness_Grants/docs/2020-SCBGP_ProposedProgramPriorities.pdf).

All interested parties may attend a public listening session or submit emailed comments to grants@cdfa.ca.gov beginning August 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. until August 16, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Comments from specialty crop stakeholders are strongly encouraged. The input received will be published on the CDFA SCBGP website (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Specialty_Crop_Competitiveness_Grants/) and will be considered during the development of the final program priorities for 2020.

Listening Session Schedule:

Riverside County Farm Bureau
21160 Box Springs Road, #102
Moreno Valley, CA 92557 August 8, 2019 1:00 – 3:00 pm PDT

Fresno County Farm Bureau
1274 W. Hedges Ave.
Fresno, CA 93728 August 13, 2019 2:00 – 4:00 pm PDT

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau
141 Monte Vista Ave.
Watsonville, CA 95076 August 14, 2019 3:00 – 5:00 pm PDT

California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 August 15, 2019 2:00 – 4:00 pm PDT

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