Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducts an annual competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website.

For a description of projects awarded, visit the Awards page.

Please sign up for our email list if you would like to be notified of future SCBGP funding opportunities.

2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Conventional)

Press Release: CDFA Now Accepting Proposals for the 2026 SCBGP and Technical Review Committee

2026 Request for Concept Proposals

2026 SCBGP Concept Proposals Question & Answers – Round 1

2026 SCBGP FAAST Concept Proposal Application
– due September 11, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. PT

Proposal Supplements

• SCBGP Frequently Asked Questions
• Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities Table
• Outcome Measures Supplement
• Outcome Measures Template
• Procuring Goods and Services
• Budget Template

Webinar Presentations

August 20, 2025
• 2026 SCBGP Solicitation Process
• 2026 SCBGP Concept Proposal
• 2026 Outcome Measures & Budget Templates
• 2026 SCBGP FAAST

2026 SCBGP Schedule
Phase I: Grant Proposal
Release Request for Concept Proposals	August 15, 2025
Webinars	August 20, 2025 – September 3, 2025
Concept Proposals Due	September 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PT via FAAST
Phase II: Concept Proposal (by invitation only)
Invitation to submit Grant Proposals	December 2025
Grant Proposals due	January 2026
Grant Proposals to USDA for approval	May 2026
Award (by invitation only)
Announce and award funding	Fall 2026

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2026 SCBGP Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee is comprised of volunteers with knowledge and expertise regarding California’s specialty crop industry. The committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding to California’s SCBGP.

Interested individuals must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé/Curriculum Vitae to grants@cdfa.ca.gov .

Technical Review Committee Instructions

2026 Technical Review Committee Application
Technical Review Committee Application Appendix A
– due September 15, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. PT

Alert: Possible Scam

CDFA Grant Notifications Requesting Payment in Exchange for Grant Awards

CDFA has been made aware of numerous scams soliciting payment from applicants to award grants. CDFA does not charge fees for application or administration of grants and awards are never made based on payments from applicants. If you believe you may be a victim of this effort, you are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement (Police or Sheriff's Department).