Media Contacts:

Steve Lyle, CDFA Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462, slyle@cdfa.ca.gov

Workshops to be held in Ventura, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Modesto

SACRAMENTO – October 18, 2010- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will hold workshops the week of November 15, 2010 on the 2011 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).  In 2011, CDFA expects to award up to $17 million in SCBGP funds for research, marketing, and nutrition projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.

“The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is an important tool to assist California specialty crop growers,” said Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “These application workshops will provide important information to organizations and entities interested in applying for grant funding.”

Workshops will be held in the following locations:

November 16, 2010 (Tuesday) – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)
Same building as Ventura County Ag Commissioner’s Office
California Room
669 County Square Drive
Ventura, CA 93003

November 17, 2010 (Wednesday) – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 ‘N’ Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

November 17, 2010 (Wednesday) – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sonoma County Administration Building
575 Administrative Drive Room 102A
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

November 18, 2010 (Thursday) – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau
1201 L Street
Modesto, CA 95353

In addition to the workshop locations, CDFA’s Federal Funds Management Office will be hosting two online webinars, covering the same information, on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Webinar information will provided upon registration.

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

The 2011 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and authorized by the Farm Bill. 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.  Please visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants to view abstracts of previously funded SCBGP projects and for information on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov