The USDA has announced funding for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. California has received $23.3 million out of approximately $72.9 million awarded nationwide.

The Block Grant program provides funding 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)

“We are very pleased that the USDA continues to prioritize this critical program,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Block grant funds have provided tens of millions of dollars in support for California food production over the years, and the investments help our farmers and ranchers continue to produce high-quality, nutritious fruits, nuts and vegetables.”

CDFA will fund 44 projects with the block grants. The Buy California Marketing Agreement was awarded $2.2 million to design and implement promotions to increase awareness and consumption of California-grown specialty crops. This will be accomplished through a multi-platform digital campaign as well as retail foodservice promotions, retail trade outreach, and in-store digital promotions. 

Among conservation projects funded, Sustainable Conservation, a non-profit organization, was awarded $498,423 to conduct research on a strategy for improving on-farm recharge outcomes in the San Joaquin Valley.

Another element of this program is the Specialty Crop Block Grant Additional Assistance Program for Historically Underrepresented Organizations, which helps to provide a process for participation for organizations that have been historically underrepresented in the overall Block Grant program. Among the five projects awarded this year, Three Sisters Gardens will receive $244,079 to educate the next generation of farmers on the importance of specialty crops to maintain the sustainability of California’s food system. Also, Esperanza Community Farms received $247,457 to provide technical assistance and training among small Latinx, Mexican, and Mexican-Indigenous farmers to foster economic empowerment and increase production, distribution, and consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables. 

Other projects focus on increasing sales of specialty crops by promoting the unique qualities of specialty crops grown in California; increasing consumption by expanding the specialty crop consumer market; providing nutritional education for consumers; investing in training for growers, producers, and operators to address current and future challenges; and conducting research pest control and disease, and organic and sustainable production practices.

In addition, CDFA continued its partnership with the Center for Produce Safety in the evaluation and recommendation of food safety related projects. These projects represent an ongoing effort to address food safety practices and minimize outbreaks of foodborne illness with proactive research.