California Underserved and Small Producers Program (CUSP)
In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CUSP is a program designed to provide assistance to local small and underserved producers.
California Underserved and Small Producers Program Overview
In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, as well as multiple local partner organizations, the goal of the CUSP program is to provide outreach, informational services, and technical assistance to local producers in order to increase the number of economic and drought relief grant applications and awards. As well as increase awareness and access to all available resources which can provide assistance to local small and underserved producers who are struggling with the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic. Direct assistance is provided to farmers and ranchers who need support applying for economic relief grant programs and assistance with business planning and marketing strategies.
Grant Opportunities: Economic & Drought Relief Grants
The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) drought relief grant will reimburse expenses due to the drought. The covered expenses and eligibility requirements are listed on the CARCD application. Applications can be submitted at any time and the funding period begins April 15th, 2023 and closes July 15th, 2023. Application support is available at no cost.
Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund, administered by CCOF, provides direct financial assistance exclusively to organic producers who suffer financial losses or drought-related hardships. The application period opens April 12th, 2023 and closes May 12th, 2023. Application support is available at no cost.
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) 2022-23 Brighter Future Fund aims to provide grants of up to $5,000 directly to farmers and ranchers who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or women. The grant guidelines can be found here Brighter Future Fund Guidelines and the Application Link. The application period is now closed, and the next round is TBA.
Programs
The CDFA State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program provides financial assistance grants to implement irrigation systems that save water on California agricultural operations. Planning and application support is available. The next round is anticipated to open in early 2023.
The CDFA Healthy Soils Program provides financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that improve soil health. Planning and application support is available. Future rounds are TBA.
Financing and Business Support
California FarmLink is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution focused on sustainable and organic agriculture as well as economic and environmental resilience. Type of loans available include: Starter Loans (new businesses), Operating Loans, Term Loans (for Equipment, Conservation, Orchard Development, etc), Land Loans, and Line of Credit. Farmers may contact CFL directly to inquire about financing or consult with SRCD for business and financial planning support to facilitate lending inquiries at CFL or other institutions.
USDA-FSA Farm Loan Programs offer loans to assist farmers and ranchers with starting, expanding, or maintaining a family farm. These loan programs include: Operating Loans (both Direct and Microloan), Ownership Loans (Direct, Microloan, Direct Joint Financing, and Down Payment), and Emergency Loans (Amount of Actual Loss). Also includes Native American Tribal Loans and Youth Loans. Application forms, eligibility, and loan terms information can be found on their site.
SBA-Economic Injury Disaster Loans is provided by the Small Business Administration for U.S. agriculture businesses with 500 or fewer employees, small businesses, or nonprofit organizations. Must have suffered substantial economic injury, or substantial economic injury directly related to COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 EIDL Loan.
Conservation Planning and Support Services
Regenerative Farming Support
SRCD, in partnership with AFT, is available to perform environmental evaluations of client farming sites to facilitate natural resource conservation planning services. Farmers can receive conservation planning support at no cost and will be able to apply for NRCS implementation resources for new practices. NRCS application support is available.
Carbon Farming Planning is available for all working lands in partnership with the Carbon Cycle Institute and the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts. CFPs are an important step in the BMP planning process and can provide long-term benefits for drought tolerance and water use efficiency, as well as reducing costs of soil applications.
Soil and Water Conservation Planning Services include CDFA HSP and CDFA SWEEP applications whenever reasonable and useful in order to maximize available resources for investment in local regenerative agriculture practices adoption. Farmers interested in developing Demonstration Projects for soil and water conservation are encouraged to consult with SRCD to support these efforts.
Pollinator Support Services are available from various sources to encourage the adoption and implementation of best management practices for increased biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Farmers and Ranchers interested in these programs should inquire about the availability of plant source materials, equipment sharing programs, supporting practices funding, and implementation resources.
Contact Us
Small ranchers and farmers can directly benefit from the services and assistance that we offer through the California Underserved and Small Producers program. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the program or services we offer. We are here to help you and look forward to hearing from you soon.
CUSP Program Manager: Veronica Martinez
Contact Information: [email protected]
CUSP Program Assistant: Alyssa Flores
Contact Information: [email protected]