The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced funding for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received $24.2 million out of approximately $72.9 million awarded nationwide.
The SCBGP is a grant program included in the Farm Bill and provides grants to state departments of agriculture to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). California is the country’s largest producer of specialty crops. CDFA will fund 50 different projects with this grant.
The projects focus on increasing sales of specialty crops by leveraging the unique qualities of specialty crops grown in California; increasing consumption by expanding the specialty crop consumer market, improving availability, and providing nutritional education for consumers; investing in training for growers, producers, and operators to address current and future challenges; and conducting research on conservation and environmental outcomes, pest control and disease, and organic and sustainable production practices.
The Buy California Marketing Agreement was awarded $2.8 million to establish the Explore CA GROWN Goodness campaign by designing and implementing educational programs and marketing promotions to increase awareness and consumption of California Grown commodities.
Among the environmental stewardship and conservation projects funded, the University Corporation at Monterey Bay was awarded $493,875 to develop cost-effective, easy-to-use decision tools for water use on small vegetable farms.
Source : ca.gov