The CUSP Drought Relief Grant Program issues up to $20,000 of funding to producers to reimburse them for a variety of drought-related losses and expenses. Applications are mainly evaluated based on the quality of supporting documentation demonstrating losses.

CCOF has partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to administer drought relief grants. These are reimbursement grants for expenses incurred as a result of drought. Drought relief funding is only open to organic farmers and ranchers in California. Funding is prioritized for small-scale operations and for underserved (socially disadvantaged) communities. Grant amounts range between $5,000 to $20,000.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture.

Gold Ridge RCD and Sonoma RCD have several current grant opportunities to support agricultural producers interested in adopting climate-beneficial management practices (see more details below). By filling out their interest form the RCD will review your potential project or projects for funding consideration. Once you have filled out the interest form your RCD will be in touch.

The FARMER Program provides incentive funds to replace agricultural equipment with the cleanest available technologies.  Eligible projects include off-road agricultural equipment, heavy-duty trucks used in agricultural operations, agricultural utility terrain vehicles (UTV), and stationary agricultural pump engines. The FARMER Program provides criteria pollutant, toxic air contaminant, and greenhouse gas emission reductions, which are necessary to help meet air quality and climate change goals.

The California Ag-Land Network for Pollinators (CAN for Pollinators) is looking for producers who are enthusiastic about increasing pollinator habitat and receiving financial and technical support for implementing on farm practices that support pollinators in California. Through a USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program, CAN for Pollinators is offering contracts to distribute over $1,000,000 to California’s farmers and ranchers to help them build habitat on their property. Pollinator Partnership and the CAN for Pollinators Team are eager to have you join the network as a producer-participant.

Through Compost Connector, Zero Foodprint works with local jurisdictions to make the best use of this compost by directing it to farms and ranches where it can sequester carbon and promote healthy soil.

If you’re a California farmer or rancher purchasing compost from an Zero Foodprint approved facility, you’re eligible to apply for a Compost Connector grant.

Beginning farmers and ranchers in California face many challenges in sustaining their agricultural operations. This program provides no-cost mentoring services from established farmers and ranchers to facilitate knowledge transfer.

View resources from our previous workshop events and more.