Nov 5, 2012

California specialty crop block grant review committee sought

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is announcing the opportunity to serve as a reviewer on the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Technical Review Committee. This committee reviews, evaluates, and make recommendations to CDFA on projects to be funded by the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of California’s specialty crops – fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Grant awards range from $50,000 to $400,000 per project. Funding is contingent upon passage of the 2012 Farm Bill and the availability of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Specialty Crop Technical Review Committee will consist of individuals who have knowledge and expertise about California’s specialty crop industry and who may represent government and non-government organizations. The timeframe for reviewing proposals is between January 2013 and June 2013. The first meeting will be held January. By establishing the technical review committee, CDFA maintains a competitive process to ensure maximum public input and benefit.

Individuals interested in serving on the technical review committee should include a letter of interest, a short biography, and statement of qualifications related to two funding categories of the California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. For a description of the funding categories please reference the Notice of Funding Availability posted on CDFA’s website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants. Information should be submitted via e-mail to Crystal Myers ( [email protected]) before December 3. Imperial Valley News

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