California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducts an annual competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Eligible entities include:

• Non-profit and for-profit organizations

• Local, state, and federal government entities, including Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized)

• Public or private colleges and universities

Individuals are not eligible to apply. Projects must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole; projects designed to primarily benefit one or more individuals or organizations are not eligible.

Federally funded (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service) block grant administered by CDFA to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Per-project award amounts are not published on the program webpage (see the Request for Concept Proposals). A separate 'Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations' track exists, with its Request for Proposals expected to be released in November.

Program Status: Open. The application period for the 2027 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open.

2027 SCBGP Schedule - Phase I (Grant Proposal): Release Request for Concept Proposals August 24, 2026; Webinars/Office Hours August 31 - September 10, 2026; Concept Proposals Due September 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. PT via Salesforce. Phase II (by invitation only): Invitation to submit Grant Proposals December 2026; Grant Proposals due January 2027; Grant Proposals to USDA for approval May 2027; Award announced Fall 2027.