CDFA TO HOST INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS ON $10 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKET PROMOTION

SACRAMENTO-California’s agricultural producers have a unique opportunity later this month to learn about the California International Market Program for Agriculture (CIMPA), a competitive grant program to assist international market promotions for agricultural commodities. Five informational sessions will explain how to apply for $10 million in specialty crop block grant funds.

The CIMPA program is part of Governor Gray Davis’ Buy California Initiative, a multi-faceted effort that includes the “California Grown” advertising campaign announced in August 2002.

California is the leading agricultural state in the nation, generating nearly $28 billion in revenues. Overall, statewide economic activity related to agriculture is estimated at $100 billion. California produces more than 350 crop and livestock commodities.

“The specialized nature of California commodities means that many of our producers depend on the export market,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “The CIMPA program will give us a boost in the highly competitive international marketplace.”

The competitive grants will provide resources for branded and generic marketing activities from established companies and organizations targeting international markets.

At each informational session, CDFA will briefly describe the scope of the program and respond to comments and questions from the audience.

The CIMPA informational session schedule is as follows:

November 6, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
Imperial Valley Expo, 200 E. Second St., Imperial

November 7, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa

November 13, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

November 14, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
Fresno County Fairgrounds, 1121 Chance Ave., Fresno

November 20, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
Shasta District Fair, 1890 Briggs St., Anderson

November 21, 2002 @ 1:00p.m.
CDFA Auditorium, 1220 N. St., Sacramento

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