The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $72.9 million through the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), with California receiving $24.2 million, the largest share among U.S. states. The funding will support 50 projects administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
The SCBGP, included in the Farm Bill, funds state-level projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. These include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops such as floriculture. California, the nation's largest specialty crop producer, will use the funds for research, education, and market development.
According to CDFA, the projects will focus on expanding specialty crop sales by promoting the unique attributes of California crops. They will also aim to increase consumption by developing markets, improving availability, and providing nutrition education. In addition, the program will invest in training for growers, producers, and operators to address production and market challenges. Research will also be conducted on environmental outcomes, pest and disease management, and sustainable production practices.
Among the awarded projects, the Buy California Marketing Agreement will receive $2.8 million to implement educational and marketing initiatives under the "Explore CA GROWN Goodness" campaign. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay will receive $493,875 to develop decision-making tools for water use efficiency on small vegetable farms.
The SCBGP Additional Assistance Program is funding eight projects that support low-resource farmers and communities. One recipient, Color the Block, a nonprofit, will receive $250,000 for the "Roots to Harvest" project in South Sacramento. The program will establish school gardens and provide workshops on crop production, business management, and nutrition. Another nonprofit, Will Love Community Programs, will receive $244,544 to organize educational sessions in South Los Angeles on the role of specialty crops in managing health conditions.
The CDFA is also maintaining its collaboration with the Center for Produce Safety (CPS). CPS was awarded $2.1 million across five projects focusing on strategies to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses in specialty crops.
For more information:
CDFA
Tel: +1 916 654 0466
Email: [email protected]
www.cdfa.ca.gov