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

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&#x2004;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.



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

Online applications for 2023 are closed. Find updates here.

The Organic Transition Pilot Program was created by the Budget Act of 2022 and is supported with $10 million in allocations from the Budget Acts of 2022 and 2023. The purpose is to provide support to farmers and ranchers who prepare land for organic certification. The program is designed as a block grant to be administered&#x2004;through organizations that demonstrate the expertise and partnerships needed to accomplish the program’s objectives. These objectives include the disbursal of financial assistance, technical assistance, project follow-up, application assistance, business planning, and translation services. The Pilot has a strong emphasis on equity, where at least 50% of beneficiaries should be Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers. As such, it seeks to support diverse farmers and ranchers in their transition to organic production.


The Organic Transition Pilot Program is aligned with the suite of Climate Smart Agriculture incentive programs administered by CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation. It also aligns with a Recommendation in California’s [Climate Change Scoping Plan Update of 2022](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2022-scoping-plan-documents), the state’s roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to expand organic acreage in California.


Financial assistance disbursed to farmers and ranchers can be spent on a wide range of eligible costs for transitioning acres to organic farming, and a field-preparation award can help to build soils for successful organic production.



The Organic Transition Pilot Program was created by the Budget Act of 2022 and is supported with $10 million in allocations from the Budget Acts of 2022 and 2023. The purpose is to provide support to farmers and ranchers who prepare land for organic certification. The program is designed as a block grant to be administered through organizations that demonstrate the expertise and partnerships needed to accomplish the program’s objectives. These objectives include the disbursal of financial assistance, technical assistance, project follow-up, application assistance, business planning, and translation services. The Pilot has a strong emphasis on equity, where at least 50% of beneficiaries should be Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers. As such, it seeks to support diverse farmers and ranchers in their transition to organic production.

The Organic Transition Pilot Program is aligned with the suite of Climate Smart Agriculture incentive programs administered by CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation. It also aligns with a Recommendation in California’s Climate Change Scoping Plan Update of 2022, the state’s roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to expand organic acreage in California.

Financial assistance disbursed to farmers and ranchers can be spent on a wide range of eligible costs for transitioning acres to organic farming, and a field-preparation award can help to build soils for successful organic production.

Eligible Block Grant Recipient Organizations: 
- Non-profit organizations
- California Native American Tribes
- Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs)
- University of California, California Community Colleges or California State Universities
“…must have demonstrated expertise in disbursement of funds and outreach for agricultural practices. If they do not have sufficient in-house capabilities to meet certain… Objectives, lead applicants are encouraged to partner with organizations who have experience in: 
- one-on-one organic management technical assistance
- language translation
- business planning
- access to organic networks
- outreach to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

Eligible Farmers and Ranchers:
Farmers:
- Over 18 years of age
- Commercial farmers or with plan for marketing produce
- Lease, own, or otherwise have stable tenure or access to the field(s) 
SDFRs: African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders 

Note: 
- “Multiple individual farmers may not receive funding to transition the same physical fields.”
- “Block Grant Recipients should strive to obtain participation from a broad group of farmers and ranchers that are geographically and socially distributed…”

Organic Transition Pilot Program Workshop Presentation

Request for Grant Applications with Application Preview

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Historically Underserved

Socially Disadvantaged

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Total potential award of $60,000 per farmer or rancher.
Block Grant award from $500,000-$2,000,000.



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

Application Process
The 2021 HSP Incentives Program is a web-based application process, accessible at https://webportalapp.com/sp/2021_cdfa_hsp_incentives. 
The grant application is a series of questions in one or more of the following formats: a drop-down menu; a check box; a text box with predetermined character limitations; or as a document attachment. Responses to all questions must be submitted in the manner and format required by the application questionnaire electronically without exception. Preview of application questions is available in the Preview of Application Questions. 
Required Documents
- Project Work Plan Template 
- CDFA HSP RePlan Report (mandatory; automatically uploaded to the application when completed in CDFA HSP RePlan Tool)
- CDFA-HSP COMET-Planner Report (mandatory) 
- Landowner Agreement (if applicable). 
- Conservation Plan (if applicable).
- A Grazing management plan for Prescribed Grazing Practice (if practice is included).

The HSP Incentives Program provides financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health. GHGs benefits are estimated using quantification methodology and tools developed by California Air Resources Board (CARB), USDA-NRCS and CDFA and soil health improvement will be assessed by measuring soil organic matter content.




- California farmers, ranchers and Federal and California Recognized Native American Indian Tribes are eligible to apply. 
- Projects must be located on a California agricultural operation. For the purpose of this program, an agricultural operation is defined as row, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and livestock and livestock product operations. 
- University and research farms, and city community gardens are not eligible for funding through the HSP Incentives Program. These entities may apply for the HSP Demonstration Projects. 
- Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding. Individuals or business entities receiving grant award funds must be located in California with a physical California business address. 
- All projects must implement at least one of the eligible agricultural management practices listed under Eligible Agricultural Management Practices, on fields where said practice was not implemented previously:
    - A previously implemented practice cannot be implemented on same field. A previously implemented practice is eligible for funding only if it is implemented on a new, different field within the same APN or a new APN.
    - Practices must be implemented on the same field(s) within the APN and cannot be moved to different field(s) within an APN during the term of the grant agreement.
    - Practices must be implemented on the same total acreage throughout the term of the grant agreement as proposed in the application and memorialized in the grant agreement. Decrease in acreage of practice implementation and quantified GHG reductions in the project after signature by Recipient and execution of grant agreement may result in elimination of that practice from the project and subsequent reduction of project budget. Additionally, project may be considered incomplete, and ten percent of total project budget may be withheld (see Project Verification).
- Projects must result in net GHG benefits (i.e., net positive GHG reductions) from specific eligible agricultural management practices identified in this solicitation for the grant agreement term supported by document(s) of Carbon Sequestration and GHG Estimation Report(s) (See GHG Reduction Estimation). 
- Applicants must provide past three years’ baseline data on cropping and management histories directly related to fields identified by APNs where eligible agricultural management practices are proposed for implementation to be eligible for funding. 
- Applicants must lease, own, or otherwise control the fields and APNs where project activities are proposed to occur for the entirety of the project duration. If leasing land, applicants must ensure the proposed project does not violate their lease agreement and document approval by the landowner to implement proposed practices(s) from date of grant agreement execution to TBD. 
- If selected for funding, applicants must be able to execute a grant agreement within 30 days of receiving a notice of award. 
Exclusions
- HSP Incentives Program funds cannot be used to implement management practices that are not listed under Eligible Agricultural Management Practices in this grant solicitation. All requirements for practice implementation must be followed. 
- HSP Incentives Program funds cannot be used to fund fields with existing and ongoing implementation of any agricultural management practices listed under Eligible Agricultural Management Practices. 
- Fields that have previously received HSP Incentives or Demonstration awards for a particular practice are not eligible to receive additional funding for the same practice. New fields within a previously funded APN, or new practices to be implemented on previously funded fields are eligible. 
- Compost Application Practices and Whole Orchard Recycling may not be implemented on APNs where soil organic matter content is greater than 20 percent by dry weight in top 20 cm (or 8 inch) depth. 
- Practices may not be implemented on lands or crop types that are not suitable based on NRCS Conservation Practice Standards and NRCS California Practice Scenarios. 
- HSP Incentives program funds cannot be used for projects that use potted plants and plant growth media other than soil

- Request for Grant Applications
- Preview of Application Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Work Plan Template
- CDFA HSP RePlan Tool
- CDFA HSP COMET-Planner


- The maximum grant award is $100,000. 
- The application submission period will be on a rolling basis, starting 2021 CDFA HSP Incentives Program Request for Grant Applications Page 4 of 52 November 1, 2021 and continuing until February 25, 2021 or until available funds are expended, whichever is earlier.
- Grant funds cannot be expended before the grant agreement is executed or after the grant agreement term has ended.
- Cost sharing (matching funds or in-kind contributions) during grant duration is not required but encouraged (See: Project Duration and Cost Sharing).
- CDFA reserves the right to offer an award different than the amount requested.

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