Concept Proposals: 2027 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting concept proposals for the 2027 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This program supports projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. The SCBGP funds initiatives that strengthen all sectors of California’s specialty crop industry, helping improve performance in local, domestic, national, and international markets. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture.
Concept proposals should address a clear industry need, demonstrate likely success and broad benefit to California specialty crops, show industry support, and include a strong outreach plan to share results with growers, including limited-resource and beginning farmers.
Funding Areas & Program Priorities
- Market Enhancement – Projects that expand, strengthen, or develop new markets for specialty crops.
- Access, Education, and Training – Efforts to increase access to specialty crops, provide training, and improve knowledge within the industry or among consumers.
- Category A: Healthy Specialty Crops for All Californians
- Category B: Opportunity and Education for All California Specialty Crop Farmers
- Research – Projects that address critical needs in the specialty crop sector through applied or basic research.
- Category A: Environmental Stewardship, Conservation, and Sustainable Agriculture
- Category B: Plant Health and Pest Management
Concept Proposal Due date: September 21, 2026. 9:00 a.m. PT
By Invite Only, Full Proposals Due in January 2027
Grant Amounts: $100,000–$600,000
Cost Share: Currently not required as of the release date of the request for concept proposal solicitation. However, changes to USDA guidance are anticipated and the program may require 25% cost share at a later date. Applicants are encouraged to identify anticipated cost share.
Duration: 2 years, 8 months
2027 Technical Review Committee (TRC) – Call for Volunteers
CDFA is also seeking volunteer Technical Review Committee members with knowledge and expertise in California’s specialty crop industry. The TRC reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations on proposals submitted to the SCBGP. Interested individuals must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé/CV to grants@cdfa.ca.gov by 9:00 a.m. PT on Monday, September 25, 2026.
For the Request for Concept Proposals, application materials, webinar registration, and additional information, visit the CDFA SCBGP website.