Main (559) 855-5840 Ag and Rangeland (559) 260-3802 [email protected]

The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) has partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to administer the Drought Relief Grants, which will be reimbursement grants for expenses incurred as a result of the drought. Complete the application here. 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.

Not covered:

  • Drilling new well
  • Upgrading pump to larger size which would draw more water
ELIGIBILITY:

  • Family farmers who are actively working the land, derive a portion of their income from their own farm business, and are involved in day-to-day operations on the farm
  • Farmers whose operations make a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $400,000 in gross sales annually (If you are a new farmer, or have another limitation, and cannot claim at least $10K in farm-based income, please include in your application a rationale for consideration.)
  • Because of systems of historic oppression, the most vulnerable populations will bear the brunt of the impact of this crisis. For this reason, at least 50% of all grant funds will be awarded to farmers of color, immigrant farmers, and undocumented farmers.

*Note: You are not eligible for this grant if you received a CDFA CUSP economic relief grant from CAFF, ABIRC, CCOF, or Peoples Land Stewardship Fund within the last 12 months. Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2023

For more information about the fund, visit CARCD.org