USDA is awarding the California Department of Food and Agriculture $23.3 million for projects to increase the market competitiveness of California specialty crops. The funding comes through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which will provide $72.9 million in FY24 to programs across the U.S. and its territories.
California’s 44 projects are receiving awards ranging from roughly $200,000 to $2 million. Buy California Marketing Agreement — a digital campaign and retail and foodservice promotion intended to deepen the connection between consumers and California-grown crops — is receiving the largest allocation of $2.23 million.
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CDFA identified six project categories: grown in California; healthy specialty crops for all Californians; equity, opportunity and education for all California specialty crop farmers; environmental stewardship, conservation and climate-smart agriculture; plant health and pest management; and food safety.
The funds will be awarded over three years, ending on Sept. 29, 2027.
