Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by California Department of Food and Ag (CDFA)

Check the list of organizations below that are distributing CUSP funds for one that is near you and currently accepting applications. Then, follow the linked information or call them to apply.
- List of Organizations Providing Direct Drought Relief Grants 
- List of Organizations Helping Producers Apply for Covid-19 Relief Programs and Business Support TA 

The California Underserved and Small Producers (CUSP) Grant Program funds local organizations to distribute technical aid and relief grants&#x2004;to agricultural producers in CA. At any given time, there may be multiple different offerings from this program. The current offerings are

### Direct Drought Relief

California continues to face escalating drought conditions and as a result, Control Section 11.85 of the Budget Act of 2021 allocated $5 million for direct drought relief funds which will be administered through the CUSP program partner organizations throughout 2022. These direct grants will assist small-scale and historically underserved producers to apply for relief grants for those most in need of immediate drought assistance. Producers will apply for the funds through local partner organizations.

### Technical Grant Application Assistance

Funding for eligible technical assistance providers to support California agricultural producers in applying for Federal and State drought relief grant programs including the CUSP Drought Relief Direct Producer Grant Program, and assistance with business planning, financial and marketing strategies needed to be resilient and stay in business during the on-going drought in California. 



The California Underserved and Small Producers (CUSP) Grant Program funds local organizations to distribute technical aid and relief grants to agricultural producers in CA. At any given time, there may be multiple different offerings from this program. The current offerings are
Direct Drought Relief
California continues to face escalating drought conditions and as a result, Control Section 11.85 of the Budget Act of 2021 allocated $5 million for direct drought relief funds which will be administered through the CUSP program partner organizations throughout 2022. These direct grants will assist small-scale and historically underserved producers to apply for relief grants for those most in need of immediate drought assistance. Producers will apply for the funds through local partner organizations.
Technical Grant Application Assistance
Funding for eligible technical assistance providers to support California agricultural producers in applying for Federal and State drought relief grant programs including the CUSP Drought Relief Direct Producer Grant Program, and assistance with business planning, financial and marketing strategies needed to be resilient and stay in business during the on-going drought in California. 

The Drought Relief Grants administered through the CUSP partner organizations will be reimbursement grants for expenses incurred as a result of the drought. Examples of covered expenses can include but are not limited to:
- Increased electric utility bills of 50% or more due to increased electricity rates
- Surface water costs if increase from year prior
- Cost of hauling water for livestock
- Lowering ag well pumps if a primary source of water is lost
- Emergency upgrades to irrigation system (paired with conservation) if not covered through CDFA OEFI programs or USDA programs and for other emergency scenarios.
- Decreased crop yields/crop loss due to less water available or having to fallow land
Not Covered:
- Drilling new well
- Upgrading pump to a larger size which would draw more water

- CUSP Information Page
- List of Organizations Providing Direct Drought Relief Grants 
- List of Organizations Helping Producers Apply for Covid-19 Relief Programs and Business Support TA 

Weather

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Read the Request For Applications carefully to confirm your eligibility and assemble the necessary materials, then apply online at CDFA's grant portal.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) awards competitive grants to California dairy and livestock operations for the implementation of&#x2004;non-digester manure management practices and technologies that result in long-term methane emission reductions and maximize environmental benefits.


Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure.




The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) awards competitive grants to California dairy and livestock operations for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices and technologies that result in long-term methane emission reductions and maximize environmental benefits.

Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure.


California farmers, ranchers, and California Native American Tribes are eligible to apply. Individuals and business entities receiving grant award funds must be located in California with a physical California business address.

The project site must be located on a commercial California dairy or livestock operation.
- A dairy operation is defined as an entity that operates a dairy herd, which produces milk or cream commercially, and whose bulk milk or bulk cream is received or handled by any distributor, manufacturer, or any nonprofit cooperative association of dairy producers.
- A livestock operation is defined as an entity raising farm animals such as cattle, poultry, goats, sheep, swine and horses.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Livestock

Dairy

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

- 2023 Request For Applications
- CDFA AMMP Project Planning Tool
- GHG Calculator
- List of Practices Incentivized by the AMMP


Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Waste & Manure Management

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Infrastructure

CDFA uses an online application platform to accept applications. The application portal link can be accessed through the HS Demonstration Program website. Applicants must create a user account to submit a grant application. All applications, supporting documents, and submissions are subject to public disclosure, including posting on the CDFA website.

The Healthy Soils Program aims to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Healthy Soils (HS) Demonstration Program funds on-farm demonstration projects that&#x2004;collect data, showcase conservation management practices and create a platform promoting widespread adoption of conservation management practices throughout the state.

Type A projects will demonstrate implementation of conservation management practices, measure field GHGs emissions, collect soil health data, and conduct analysis on cost/benefits for adoption of the proposed practice(s) and anticipated barriers.

Type B projects will demonstrate implementation of HSP conservation management practices, collect soil health data, and/or conduct analysis on cost/benefits for adoption of the proposed practice(s) and anticipated barriers.



The Healthy Soils Program aims to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Healthy Soils (HS) Demonstration Program funds on-farm demonstration projects that collect data, showcase conservation management practices and create a platform promoting widespread adoption of conservation management practices throughout the state.
Type A projects will demonstrate implementation of conservation management practices, measure field GHGs emissions, collect soil health data, and conduct analysis on cost/benefits for adoption of the proposed practice(s) and anticipated barriers.
Type B projects will demonstrate implementation of HSP conservation management practices, collect soil health data, and/or conduct analysis on cost/benefits for adoption of the proposed practice(s) and anticipated barriers.

- Nonprofit entities, University Cooperative Extensions, Federal and University Experiment Stations, city and community colleges, Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs), California Native American Tribes, and farmers and ranchers in partnership with one of the aforementioned entities are eligible to apply.
- Individuals are not eligible to apply. 

- Request for Grant Applications 
- Application Questions 
- Frequently Asked Questions 


Conservation

The CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation to fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.

Grant Applications Links: Please click the Track you are interested in applying to access the AmpliFund grant application:

- Track 1 Systems Builder Community Based Block Grant

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a competitive grant that funds programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of California.

The purpose of the Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant is to increase staff capacity and provide pass through funding for Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s) with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. Eligible CBO’s may apply for awards from $200,000 - $800,000 in CDFA funding to engage and administer subawards to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. Track 1 funded Organizations may utilize between $5,000-$60,000 of the award towards eligible urban agriculture work being done internally. Subawards to external stakeholders will range from $5,000 to $60,000. At least one CBO within each urban region of California will receive an award, and at least one CBO with statewide reach will receive funding. CDFA aims to distribute awards geographically throughout California’s urban areas to the extent possible.

- Track 2 Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a competitive grant that funds programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of California.

The purpose of the Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant is to directly fund urban agriculture projects, providing awards from $75,000 - $300,000 for eligible for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, Tribal Based non-profits, and Tribal Governments that are led by or serve priority populations identified using the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map and located in urban areas as defined by CDFA.

- NOTE: Applicants may only apply to ONE Track



Sara Bernal

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a one-time&#x2004;only, competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.


Urban Agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings, including things like inground small plot cultivation, raised beds, vertical production, warehouse farms, mushroom growing, urban forestry and tree care, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, offer workforce development opportunities, educate communities about food and farming, and expand green spaces.


CDFA defines “urban” as a geographic area no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one Urbanized Area containing a population of 50,000 or more people.


Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by or serving priority populations. Priority Populations will be identified using the California Air Resources Board’s [California Climate Investments Priority Populations map](https://gis.carb.arb.ca.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=6b4b15f8c6514733972cabdda3108348).


CDFA will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation.



The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a one-time only, competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.

Urban Agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings, including things like inground small plot cultivation, raised beds, vertical production, warehouse farms, mushroom growing, urban forestry and tree care, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, offer workforce development opportunities, educate communities about food and farming, and expand green spaces.

CDFA defines “urban” as a geographic area no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one Urbanized Area containing a population of 50,000 or more people.

Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by or serving priority populations. Priority Populations will be identified using the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.

CDFA will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation.

Track 1 Systems Builder Community Based Block Grant
Eligible Applicants
- Special District Governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Private institutions of higher education

Additional Eligibility Information
- All applicants for Track 1 must serve communities located in urban areas as defined. Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by, or serving priority populations as defined by the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.
- Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant Eligibility:
    - Non-profit organizations, Tribal Governments and Tribal Based non-profit organizations with knowledge and experience in Regional Food Systems are eligible to apply.
    - Individuals, for-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.

Track 2 Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant
Eligible Applicants:
- Special District Governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Small Businesses

Additional Eligibility Information
- Only RCD's qualify under Special District Governments. All applicants for Track 2 must serve communities located in urban areas as defined. Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by, or serving priority populations as defined by the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.
- Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, Native American Tribes, and Tribal Based non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be a Qualified Small Business and thus meet the following criteria: Is one of the following:
    - i. A sole proprietor, independent contractor, 1099 employee, C-corporation, S-corporation, cooperative, limited liability company, partnership, or limited partnership, with an annual gross revenue of less than five million dollars ($5,000,000), but greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000), in the 2022 taxable year.
    - ii. A registered nonprofit entity that had an annual gross revenue of less than five million dollars ($5,000,000), but greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000), in the 2022 taxable year.
    - iii. An organization that is fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit corporation.
    - Local, state, and federal government entities, and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.

List of California Department of Food and Ag (CDFA) Funding Opportunities