SACRAMENTO -- People with expertise on California's specialty crop industry have until Dec. 3 to apply for posts on a technical review panel for 2013 block grants.

The committee will review, evaluate and make recommendations to the state Department of Food and Agriculture on projects to be funded, a news release explains.

Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $400,000 per project, provided that the 2012 farm bill passes, the release states.

Individuals should send a letter of interest, a short biography and statement of qualifications via email to Crystal Myers at grants@cdfa.ca.gov For information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants .

-- Tim Hearden