Aug 26, 2025CDFA opens applications for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grants, Technical Review Committee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and applications for the program’s Technical Review Committee (TRC).
The SCBGP provides funding to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.
Each year, CDFA conducts a two-phase solicitation process to award grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per project. Projects may run for up to two years and eight months. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government entities at all levels, Tribal governments, and public and private colleges and universities.
Applicants must register through the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST) and submit concept proposals electronically by 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 11, 2025. CDFA will host webinars to provide an overview of the program, review proposal requirements and demonstrate the FAAST system.
Detailed application instructions are outlined in the 2026 Request for Concept Proposals. An additional request for concept proposals aimed at limited-resource applicants will be released in November 2025.
In addition to funding opportunities, CDFA is seeking volunteers to serve on the TRC, which reviews and evaluates submitted proposals before making recommendations to the department. Committee members are selected based on their knowledge and expertise in California’s specialty crop industry.
Individuals interested in serving on the TRC must submit a completed application and résumé or CV to CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration by 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 15, 2025.
More information on both opportunities, including program details, application forms and webinar registration, is available at CDFA’s SCBGP website. Questions can be directed to grants@cdfa.ca.gov or by calling (916) 657-3231.
