2012 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCKGRANT PROGRAM WORKSHOPS

Workshops to be held in Petaluma, Davis, Fresno, and Costa Mesa

SACRAMENTO – November 4, 2011- The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will hold workshops the week of November 15, 2011 on the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). In 2012, CDFA expects to award up to $18 million in SCBGP funds for research, marketing, and nutrition projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.

“These workshops are important for any organization interested in this program, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The block grants are an excellent way to benefit our specialty crops, which are important for the health of our citizens, communities and economy, and relied upon by people around the world.”

Workshops will be held in the following locations:

November 15, 2011 (Tuesday) – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Beverly C Wilson Building
Sonoma-Marin Fair
175 Fairgrounds Drive
Petaluma, CA 94952

November 16, 2011 (Wednesday) – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Room 215
USDA, Farm Service Agency
430 G Street
Davis, CA 95616

November 17, 2011 (Thursday) – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Board Room
Big Fresno Fair
1121 S. Chance Avenue
Fresno, CA 93702

November 18, 2011 (Friday) – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Memorial Gardens Building
Orange County Fair
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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 15, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 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 2012 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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