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CDFA

FARMING TO GROW CALIFORNIA'S BLACK SPECIALTY CROP FARMERS

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California Department of Food and Agriculture CDFA

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program 2021 - 2023

 

Many African American farmers have lacked access to technical assistance to specialty crops, thus reducing their access to markets. This project will support 5% of California's 300 African American farmers through customized opportunities to gain the skills needed to set up and build capacity to adopt sustainable practices of specialty crop production, including crop planning, irrigation techniques, and orchard production.

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The overall goal of the project is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown by historically marginalized African American farmers in California. 

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Specialty Crops: Okra, Cowpeas, Purple Hull, Sweet Potatoes, Leafy Greens, Squash, Melon, Tomatoes, Onions, String Beans, and more.

Register TODAY!

Please indicate which Region.

Thank you!

African American farmers from several counties, including Capay Valley, Fresno, Kern, and LA Counties will participate in a series of workshops lead by industry experts.

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Workshop attendees will learn:

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  • Specialty Crop Management/Planning Best Practices

  • Irrigation Management & Conservation

  • Business Plans

  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GAP)

  • Fruit Tree Maintenance

  • Climate Issues related to Specialty Crops and Fruit Trees

  • Marketing & Sales

 

Day One

  • Irrigation Management/How to submit and read a water test

  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GAP)

  • Climate Issues related to Specialty Crops and Fruit Trees

  • Receive Free Seeds, Free Transplants

  • and more

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Day Two 

  • Introduction to "Developing a Business Plan"

  • Specialty Crop Management/How to submit and read a soil test

  • Learn about Drought Resistant Crops

  • Learn about Wet Soil Crops

  • Bookkeeping

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FREE TRAINING DATES

 

KICK OFF

Region One: Fresno County: 3/27, 3/28

Day 1: Sunday, 6/26 (3:00 pm - 6:30 pm) on a farm 

Day 2: Monday, 6/27 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) on Zoom

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Region Two: Yolo County

Day 1: Sunday, 5/22 (3:00 pm - 7:00 pm) on a farm

Day 2: Monday, 5/23 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) on Zoom

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Region Three: Kern County: 9/18, 9/19

Day 1: Sunday, 9/18 (3:00 pm - 7:00 pm) on a farm

(after you RSVP the address will be sent)

Day 2: Monday, 9/19 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) on Zoom

(after you RSVP a Zoom link will be sent)

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Region Four:  LA County: 6/26, 6/27

Day 1: Sunday, 6/26 (3:00 pm - 7:00 pm) on a farm 

Day 2: Monday, 6/27 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) on Zoom

 

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