There are many organizations and programs that provide free funding assistance for growers, which can get overwhelming with where to look and who to talk to. In an effort to assist growers with these questions a list of grants has been made to compile those that are currently available. Don't miss out if you qualify!
Organic Production grants
Organization: CCOF
Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund
Deadline: May 12, 2023
- Note: applications open April 12, 2023
$5,000 maximum
Grant available to organic producers who experienced losses due to natural disasters, personal hardship, or other unexpected emergencies.
Requirements (from CCOF):
- Be a certified organic producer in good standing
- Provide a valid organic certificate from any accredited certifier
- Submit a complete description of hardship endured within the last 12 months along with supporting financial documentation of economic loss
- Must be based in the United States
- If awarded, agree to submit a final progress report
- Grant funds cannot be used for organic certification fees
Priority is given to first time applicants and undeserved producers.
More information: https://www.ccof.org/page/hardship-assistance
Contact: lhernandez@ccof.org
Conservation related grants
Organization: NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Deadline: Applications accepted year round
Amount not specified
Provide technical and financial assistance to growers and forest landowners to undertake natural resource concerns.
Example:
- Water and air quality improvement
- Water conservation
- Soil health improvement
- improving/ creating wildlife habitat
- And others…
Work with applicants one-on-one to develop a conservation plan based on the applicant's conservation goals and vision as well as providing assistance with the application process.
Apply at a local USDA Service Center.
More information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EQIP-fact-sheet.pdf
Contact: Local NRCS office
Emergency/ uninsured grants
Organization: USDA
Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP)
Deadline: June 2, 2023
Up to $125,000 receivable
Direct financial assistance for growers affected by the COVID-19 who produced at least during a part of 2020 and had minimum 15% loss in allowable gross revenue.
- Compared to 2018-19 year or expected 2020 allowable gross revenue (if no 2018-19 year production)
- Payment determined per applicant
More information: https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/documents/farmersgov-parp-factsheet.pdf
Contact: Local FSA office or USDA employee 1(877)-508-8364
Organization: CCOF
Drought Relief Grants for Producers in California
Deadline: May 12, 2023
- Note: applications open April 12, 2023
$5,000 to $20,000 range amount
Reimbursements for drought incurred expenses.
Examples:
- “Increased electric utility bills of 50 percent or more due to increased electricity rates”
- “Decreased crop yields/crop loss due to less water available or having to fallow land” etc
Qualification: Must be small-scale CA grower and socially disadvantaged (Description of social disadvantage based on CDFA's farmer equity report*)
**CDFA definition of socially disadvantaged groups: “AB 1348 states that a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher is a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. A “socially disadvantaged group” means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination. These groups include the following: African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, Female farmers and ranchers of color.”
Not eligible if the grower received a CDFA CUSP within the last 12 months.
More information: https://www.ccof.org/page/hardship-assistance
Contact: lhernandez@ccof.org