Drought Relief Funds
CA Underserved & Small Producers (CUSP) Drought Relief Grant
Reimbursement funding available for agricultural and working lands impacted by drought since 2021 in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
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, with funding from CDFA, is stepping in to offer direct financial support to farmers who have experienced losses due to drought.
This grant provides for award amounts of $2,500 – $20,000 per farmer. Applications will be received and awards will be available on a rolling basis beginning summer 2023 through winter 2024.
Eligibility
- Agricultural producers are eligible.
- Farmers, ranchers and livestock owners who actively work the land, derive a portion of their income from their own farm business, and are involved in day-to-day operations on the farm.
- Applicants 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.
- Producers may only receive a maximum CUSP funding of $20,000 every 12 months. VCRCD will cross-check applicants with CDFA to ensure no repeat funds are awarded within that time period.
- Applicants identifying as small or medium Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFRs) on their application will receive expedited review.
- Applicants identifying as small and medium operations, but not SDFRs, will be prioritized for consideration.
- 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.
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.
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.
Not Covered Expenses
- Upgrading to a larger pump that will draw more water.
Start your application for CUSP drought relief funds NOW
or
Contact VCRCD with your questions
Agricultural & Environmental Sustainability Specialist
emily.nye@vcrcd.org
805-764-5155
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