The California Department of Food and Agriculture is seeking public comments on the program priorities for the 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or SCBGP.

Through a two-phase competitive solicitation process, the SCBGP awards funds to projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

The SCBGP program priorities are intended to address the current needs of California's specialty crop industry and help guide prospective applicants to submit projects that address the most significant issues affecting the industry.

For 2021, CDFA is proposing changes to the priorities to respond to challenges related to COVID-19 and address issues of farmer equity.

Interested parties should review the Proposed Program Priorities and may attend a web-based public listening session or submit emailed comments.

To register for a webinar, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Public comments may also be submitted directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until Aug. 31, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Comments from specialty crop stakeholders are strongly encouraged. The input received will be published on the CDFA SCBGP website and considered during the development of the final program priorities for 2021.

Listening Session Schedule:

– Webinar 1: Aug. 20, 1 to 3 p.m. PDT.
– Webinar 2: Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to noon PDT.