Sacramento, California - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking public comments on new program priorities being developed for the 2016 Special Crop Block Grant Program (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).

By drafting new program priorities, CDFA strives to clearly define the current needs of California's specialty crop industry. The priorities help guide prospective applicants to submit projects that address the most relevant issues affecting the industry.

To ensure effective program priorities, CDFA is asking for public comments and suggestions. (Please click here to review the proposed program priorities.)

All interested parties may submit comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. beginning September 18, 2015 at 5 p.m. until October 2, 2015 at 5 p.m. (Comments from specialty crop stakeholders are strongly encouraged.) The input received will be published, unedited, on the CDFA SCBGP website, www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants, and considered when developing final program priorities for 2016.