Program Overview
We envision future generations of sustainable farmland and rangeland employing less resource-intensive, agroecological methods of production that keep farm operations profitable. The Sierra Resource Conservation District (SRCD) is dedicated to supporting Fresno County’s community of farmers and ranchers. Through essential services for conservation practices with direct technical assistance, financial assistance, education, and development, the District is a partner to hard-working farmers and ranchers. These services will result in improved farm and ranch productivity, strengthening the local and rural economy with the ecosystems they depend on. Fresno County is home to 1.88 million acres of the world’s most productive farmland area. Nearly 50% of the County’s 3.84 million acres.
Extreme Weather Direct to Producers Grant
Drought & Extreme Weather Financial Assistance
Applications Opens February 15th, 2026
02/15/2026 to 04/15/2026
In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Sierra Resource Conservation District offers direct financial support to farmers and producers who have experienced losses due to the extreme weather from 2017 onwards. This is part of the California Underserved and Small Producers Program (CUSP).
Eligible applicants may receive up to $20,000 per farmer or producer.
Eligibility for CUSP Drought & Extreme Weather Funding
The CUSP Program targets small and medium-scale agricultural producers, prioritizing Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Producers described in CDFA’s Farm Equity Report.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be actively working on the land
- Derive a portion of their income from the farm business
- Be involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm or ranch
This program defines small and medium-scale California producers as:
- Any farmer making up to $400,000 in annual gross sales
- Any dairy operation making up to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales
Applicants are not eligible if they have received a CDFA CUSP Extreme Weather Relief Grant within the past 12 months. However, receiving a CDFA CUSP Drought Relief Grant within the past 12 months does not affect eligibility for the Extreme Weather Relief Grant.
Applicants may apply for both the CUSP Drought Relief and Extreme Weather Relief Grants separately and may receive up to $20,000 per program. Sierra Resource Conservation District will cross-check applicants with CDFA to ensure no repeat funds are awarded within that time period.
Examples of Drought Covered Expenses
Examples of Extreme Weather Covered Expenses
Download PDF Table here – See eligible expenses and acceptable documentation options:
CUSP Extreme Weather and Other Climate Impacts Relief Eligible Practices Table
Need Help With Your Application?
Sierra Resource Conservation District provides free application support and technical assistance to the agricultural community. No fees or costs will be imposed on the farmer or producer for any technical assistance provided by Sierra RCD. If you need assistance applying, completing the application, or have questions regarding the application, please reach out to Sierra RCD for assistance.
Assistance is available in Spanish.
Phone: (559) 260- 3802
Please allow 1-2 business days for a response
Application: Available February 15th, 2026
English – Click Here
Español – Haga Clic Aqui
If you need technical assistance in another language, let us know – we can connect you to a partner service provider for support
Alternatives
If you are unable to provide documentation to prove your loss, you may be able to qualify by filling out the check list provided below. Sierra RCD staff can do a site visit to assist in filling out this checklist.
English – Click Here
Spanish – Aqui
Punjabi –
San Joaquin Valley Land and Water Conservation Collaborative
The San Joaquin Valley Land and Water Conservation Collaborative; was created to conserve and protect California’s most productive agricultural region.
San Joaquin Valley Land and Water Conservation Collaborative
The SJVLWCC was created by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) and funded by the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) agreement. The primary goals of this 5-year program include protecting critical farmland, increasing regenerative agricultural practices, and supporting a new generation of farmers.
Supported Soil Health Practices
Soil health practices that improve soil water holding capacity and infiltration
- Conservation Cover
- Cover Crops
- Reduced Till
- No-till
- Soil Carbon Amendment, such as compost
- Irrigation Water Management
- Biochar
Land use enhancement
- Critical Area Planning (planning on sites with soil erosion vulnerability or other difficulty)
- Hedgerows
- Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
- Wildlife Habitat Planning
Water conveyance & recharge