Drought Relief Funds

CA Underserved & Small Producers (CUSP) Drought Relief Grant

Applications Closed

This VCRCD grant opportunity has ended – please click here to see organizations who are still offering Drought Relief funding.

If you have experienced extreme weather events on your agricultural operation, please explore our open CUSP Extreme Weather Relief grant.

Reimbursement funding for agricultural and working lands impacted by drought since 2017 in California.

With the ongoing drought crisis in California, farmers face increased costs ranging from higher water and energy bills, to installing new equipment. This is especially difficult for smaller farms, and farmers from BIPOC, immigrant, and other socially-disadvantaged farmers & ranchers. VCRCD, had funding from CDFA to offer direct financial support to farmers who have experienced losses due to drought.

This grant provided awards of up to $20,000 per farmer/rancher every 12-months. Applications were received, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis beginning summer 2023 through Fall 2025.

This was a competitive application process. Submission of applications and documents did not guarantee funding.

Drought Relief funding distributed by VCRCD to farmers:

$1,318,182

# of California farmers vcrcd provided Drought Relief funding to:

79

Eligibility Criteria

Small and medium scale California agricultural producers. “Small and medium scale” California producers are defined by this program as any farmer making up to $400,000 or dairy operation making up to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales.
Those who have not received funds from a CDFA CUSP Drought Relief Block Grant Recipient within the last 12 months.
- Note: Producers may receive an additional $20,000 every 12 months for CUSP Extreme Weather funding. VCRCD will cross-check applicants with CDFA to ensure no repeat funds are awarded within that time period.

Application Prioritization

Applicants identifying as small or medium Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFRs) on their application will receive expedited review. The Farmer Equity Act of 2017 defines “Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” to mean a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. “Socially disadvantaged group” means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include all of the following: (1) African Americans (2) Native American Indians (3) Alaskan Natives (4) Hispanics (5) Asian Americans (6) Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Note: Under no circumstances, short of exhausting funds, will any eligible applicant be denied access to CUSP services or funding consideration based on their operational status or social identity.

Eligibility Criteria

Small and medium scale California agricultural producers. “Small and medium scale” California producers are defined by this program as any farmer making up to $400,000 or dairy operation making up to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales.
Those who have not received funds from a CDFA CUSP Drought Relief Block Grant Recipient within the last 12 months.
- Note: Producers may receive an additional $20,000 every 12 months for CUSP Extreme Weather funding. VCRCD will cross-check applicants with CDFA to ensure no repeat funds are awarded within that time period.

Application Prioritization

Applicants identifying as small or medium Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFRs) on their application will receive expedited review. The Farmer Equity Act of 2017 defines “Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” to mean a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. “Socially disadvantaged group” means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include all of the following: (1) African Americans (2) Native American Indians (3) Alaskan Natives (4) Hispanics (5) Asian Americans (6) Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Note: Under no circumstances, short of exhausting funds, will any eligible applicant be denied access to CUSP services or funding consideration based on their operational status or social identity.

Pre-Approved Practices & Verifiable Expenses

Increased electric utility bills of 30% 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.
Increased feed costs for dairies and livestock operations.
Drilling of new wells or repairs on existing wells if sole source of water for operation. To be eligible, an applicant must provide written verification from a Groundwater Sustainability Agency managing the basin or area of the basin where the well is located or proposed to be located approving the action, per Executive Order N-7-22
Upgrading to a larger pump (up to 40HP)

Pre-Approved Practices & Verifiable Expenses

Increased electric utility bills of 30% 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.
Increased feed costs for dairies and livestock operations.
Drilling of new wells or repairs on existing wells if sole source of water for operation. To be eligible, an applicant must provide written verification from a Groundwater Sustainability Agency managing the basin or area of the basin where the well is located or proposed to be located approving the action, per Executive Order N-7-22
Upgrading to a larger pump (up to 40hp)

Start your application for CUSP drought relief funds NOW
or
Contact VCRCD with your questions

Submit Your Intake Form Here

Ikuko (Coco) Nakano

Agricultural Environmental Systems Specialist

[email protected]

(805) 764-5152

Alexander Vaca

Technical Assistance Provider

[email protected]

(805) 256-4759

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