SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting limited proposals for the 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or SCBGP.

The CDFA 2019 SCBGP Request for Concept Proposals set aside up to $3 million for proposals submitted through a separate process to support beginning and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers, including urban farmers, and/or promote increased access or nutrition education in underserved communities throughout California.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Please review the 2019 Limited Request for Proposals for detailed application instructions.

This solicitation will utilize a simplified application process, and proposals selected will receive technical assistance from CDFA to develop a full proposal for submission to USDA.

The intent of this solicitation is to provide a process through which organizations that have been historically underrepresented in the SCBGP can participate.

CDFA will award up to $1 million to proposals through this solicitation. Grant awards will be up to $100,000 per project and projects may last for up to two years.

Nonprofit organizations and tribal government entities with knowledge and experience in either supporting socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or improving access and nutrition education in underserved communities are eligible to apply.

Applicants are required to complete and submit their 2019 SCBGP Limited Grant Proposal using the required template available on the SCBGP Web site, www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants.

Grant proposals must be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5 p.m. PDT on April 10, 2019.

CDFA will conduct a webinar on March 27, 2019, at 2 p.m. PDT in English and Spanish featuring an overview of the proposal application. There is no cost to participate; however, space is limited and CDFA requests that attendees register in advance.

To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and contact information. Further details will be provided with confirmation of registration.

Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information.