The United States Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the 2014 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received $19.8 million out of approximately $66 million awarded nationwide.
The SCBGP provides grants to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
The 60 projects funded under the 2014 SCBGP reflect the diversity of California’s specialty crops across the state. This year’s projects include but are not limited to: creating economic opportunities for specialty crop producers through market development activities; increasing nutrition knowledge; developing local and regional food systems; and improving food access in underserved communities. Other area of focus include developing and implementing beneficial practices on the farm; training and equipping the next generation of beginning farmers; and preventing and managing pests and diseases to minimize threats to specialty crops.
One of the market development activities funded with the grant program is the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers' "Plant Something" proposal. The CANGC received a $367,034 SCBGP award for its proposal, which hinges on promoting nursery products and gardening.
Through previous out-of-state grants, the basic Plant Something! promotion tools have been developed and the campaign has recently been expanded into a regional promotion. This campaign continues to have a significant impact on the long-term success of the Arizona nursery industry, which has realized an annual average increase in retail sales of 11 percent between 2010 and 2012. This grant will allow California nurseries to benefit from the "Plant Something!" campaign. An 11 percent increase in retail sales of California nursery plants would amount to an additional $380 million.