Download a full list of the Resources and Assistance Programs here.
The USDA has announced the details for a revenue-based Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for producers impacted by 2022 natural disasters, such as the September heat wave that severely impacted our industry.
Working with local FSA offices starting October 31, growers will be able apply for the program. It is encouraged that all impacted / affected growers collect their required documentation as soon as possible and work with your local FSA office to submit them and the required FSA forms. We know that nationwide demand for ERP funding is high, so it will be important to submit your paperwork as soon as possible. We will collect more background information as it becomes available and share it with the industry. For more information, click here. View the fact sheet here.
To ensure you are aware of the wide range of assistance programs for walnut growers, hullers, dehydrators, and processors that are currently available, we have developed a list of resources available from government agencies and other organizations. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact Joshua Rahm, Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the California Walnut Commission/Board, at JRahm@walnuts.org.
Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program
The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Carl Moyer Program) provides grant funding for cleaner-than-required engines, equipment, and other sources of air pollution. The Carl Moyer Program is implemented as a partnership between CARB and California’s 35 local air districts. CARB works collaboratively with the air districts and other stakeholders to set Guidelines and ensure the Program reduces pollution and provides cleaner air for Californians.
Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program | Valley Air District
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) is accepting applications for the Alternative to Agricultural Open Burning Incentive Pilot Program. This program provides incentives to commercial agricultural operations located within SJVAPCD boundaries to chip or shred agricultural material and use for soil incorporation or land application on agricultural land as an alternative to the open burning of the agricultural materials.
Ag Pump Program | Valley Air District
This program provides incentives for engine replacement (repower) of engines/motors used to power agricultural irrigation pumps. Funds are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and applicants must obtain approval and have a signed, executed contract from the SJVAPCD prior to purchase of new equipment. Any equipment purchased prior to contract execution is ineligible as this is not a rebate program. Incentives for: Diesel to Diesel Repower, Diesel to Electric Repower (Includes Line Extension Option), Natural Gas/Propane to Electric Repower (Includes Line Extension Option).
FARMER Ag Truck Replacement Program | Valley Air District
The FARMER Ag Truck Replacement Program provides incentive funds for the replacement of heavy-duty diesel ag trucks. Funds are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and applicants must obtain approval and have a signed, executed contract from the SJVAPCD prior to purchase of new equipment. Any equipment purchased prior to contract execution is ineligible as this is not a rebate program.
Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program | Valley Air District
The SJVAPCD is currently accepting applications requesting monetary incentives to replace existing nut harvesters (equipment) with new low-dust replacement equipment, according to the terms and conditions described in the guidelines.
Tractor Replacement Program | Valley Air District
The Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program provides incentive funds for the replacement of in-use, off-road mobile equipment that are engaged in agricultural operations as defined by the California Air Resources Board. Funds are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and applicants must obtain approval and have a signed, executed contract from the SJVAPCD prior to purchase of new equipment. Any equipment purchased prior to contract execution is ineligible as this is not a rebate program.
Zero-Emission Ag Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) | Valley Air District
The Zero-Emission Agricultural Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Voucher Program provides monetary incentives for the replacement of existing diesel or gasoline-powered UTVs and tractors with less than 25 horsepower with new, zero-emission UTVs to qualified individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations involved in California agricultural operations as defined by the California Air Resources Board. Funds are provided on a first come, first serve basis, and applicants must obtain a signed voucher from the SJVAPCD prior to purchasing new equipment.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, or improved or created wildlife habitat.
Conservation Stewardship Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment.
Regional Conservation Partnership Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to expand our collective ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to conservation challenges and provide measurable improvements and outcomes tied to the resource concerns they seek to address.
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect, and enhance enrolled wetlands.
NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is offering grants up to $20,000 to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements, and save money by reducing energy costs.
Value Added Producer Grants in California | Rural Development (usda.gov)
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Applicants may receive priority if they are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition.
The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program | Farmers.gov
The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program (FSCSC) provides financial assistance for specialty crop operations that incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023. This program helps offset costs to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements. For each year, FSCSC will cover a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a percentage of their related expenses.
Conservation Reserve Program (usda.gov)
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a land conservation program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are from 10 to 15 years in length. The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
CDFA – Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (ca.gov)
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducts an annual competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
CDFA – OEFI – State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program (ca.gov)
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low-pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives, and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
CDFA – OEFI – Healthy Soils Program (ca.gov)
The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments to promote the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands. The HSP has two components: the HSP Incentives Program and the HSP Demonstration Projects. The HSP Incentives Program provides financial assistance for implementation of conservation management that improves soil health, sequester carbon, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The HSP Demonstration Projects showcase California farmers’ and ranchers’ implementation of HSP practices. On-farm management practices include but are not limited to: cover cropping, no-till, reduced-till, mulching, compost application, whole orchard recycling, and conservation plantings.
CDFA – Alternative Manure Management Program
CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices in California, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
CDFA – Fertilizer Research and Education Program – Grant Program
Each year, the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) solicits suggestions for research, demonstration, and education projects related to the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizing materials. The FREP grant program utilizes an annual request for proposals, and all proposals are reviewed by technical and scientific subject matter experts in order to make grant funding decisions.
Food Production Investment Program | California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission (CEC) accepts applications for the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP), which is a matching state grant helping California food processors implement energy-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining product quality and quantity and protecting California jobs.
The program will pay a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum of $6,000,000 with a matching requirement of 35%. The FPIP is open to all California food processors, as defined in Section II.A. All projects funded under FPIP must reduce GHG emissions, further the purposes of AB 32 and SB 32, and be located in California as a food processing plant.
Financial Assistance Funding – Grants and Loans | California State Water Resources Control Board
The Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) administers the implementation of the State Water Resources Control Board’s financial assistance programs, that include loan and grant funding for construction of municipal sewage and water recycling facilities, remediation for underground storage tank releases, watershed protection projects, nonpoint source pollution control projects, etc. DFA also administers the Operator Certification Program.
California Farmland Conservancy Program
The California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) is a statewide grant program that supports local efforts to establish agricultural conservation easements and land improvement projects for the purpose of preserving important agricultural land resources and enhancing sustainable agricultural uses
Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program (ca.gov)
This program and grants provide funds specifically to resource conservation districts to restore or enhance riparian corridors on agricultural lands. Agricultural landowners may be willing to integrate ecosystem projects and protections in their operations but may lack the capital and/or expertise to implement these practices. The California Department of Conservation collaborates with resource conservation districts, landowners, and other stakeholders to plan and implement projects that support long-term sustainable management of riparian corridors on California’s farms and ranches.
Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (ca.gov)
The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) supports agricultural land conservation, economic growth, and sustainable development by providing grants for three types of projects: Land Use Planning grants that support the development of local and regional land use policies and economic development strategies to protect critical agricultural land; Agricultural Conservation Acquisition grants to permanently protect croplands, rangelands, and lands utilized for the cultivation of traditional resources from conversion to non-agricultural uses; and Capacity and Project Development grants to expand organizational capacity to develop agricultural conservation acquisition projects.
Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (ca.gov)
The Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program seeks to use grant funding to increase regional capacity to repurpose agricultural land to reduce reliance on groundwater while providing community health, economic well-being, water supply, habitat, and climate benefits.
Self-Generation Incentive Program – Southern California Edison
If you want to generate your own power, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) could be a good option for your home or business. SGIP offers rebates to residential, commercial, industrial, government, and non-profit customers who install qualifying types of distributed generation to meet all or a portion of their own energy needs.
California Solar Initiative for Business – Southern California Edison
This program offers solar power system alternatives, energy stewardship, and air quality incentives/rebates.
Agricultural and Pumping Interruptible Program – Southern California Edison
This program offers energy stewardship and credits for service disruption during high-demand periods.
Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan
The Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan (AESAP) helps agriculture operations by offering a variety of rebates, incentives, and financing options to help your operation reduce energy usage and costs. Upgrading ventilation, irrigation, and other critical systems with more energy-efficient options is one way to reduce your overhead, improve production, and preserve natural resources.
Energy Efficiency Rebates for Your Business – PG&E
This program offers rebates on VFDs, micro-irrigation systems, electric pump conversions, lighting, refrigeration, etc.
Water and Energy Efficiency Program – Modesto Irrigation District (MID)
Take advantage of the rebates and programs on this page to help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electric bill.
Energy Efficiency Program – Turlock Irrigation District (TID)
Take advantage of the rebates and programs on this page to help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electric bill.
Business Rebates – Merced Irrigation District (mercedid.org)
Take advantage of the rebates and programs on this page to help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electric bill.
Provides financial incentives to farmers for each enrolled acre. To ensure small and mid-sized farms have access to the program, eligibility is limited to farmers with a 3-year average Adjusted Gross Income of $2.5 million or less. A single entity may enroll up to 25% of their total acreage or 40 acres, whichever is greater. No individual grant will be greater than $2.5 million. Farmers are identified based on their proximity to drinking water wells that have gone dry or are in jeopardy of going dry.
California Small Agricultural Business Drought and Flood Relief Grant Program
The California Small Agricultural Business Drought & Flood Relief Grant Program will provide relief to small agricultural businesses that experienced a decline in annual gross receipts or gross profits due to drought or storm flood conditions.
Delta Drought Response Pilot Program – Delta Conservancy (ca.gov)
The Delta Drought Response Pilot Program was first launched in January 2022. More than 8,700 acres were enrolled in the first round of the Program. The California Department of Water Resources allocated an additional $10.7 million for grants thanks to the Budget Act of 2022, allowing the Program to start a second phase. By rigorously monitoring the outcomes and impacts of a variety of actions in different settings throughout the Legal Delta, the Program provides data to support targeted water conservation/quality protection responses during sustained and/or future droughts.
USDA offers drought and other natural disaster impacted California farmers and ranchers immediate disaster assistance. Available programs and loans include:
USDA Disaster Assistance Programs At A Glance Brochure
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) implements various programs to provide assistance to growers affected by natural disasters. This ranges from crop insurance to a tree replanting assistance program.
Crop Insurance | RMA (usda.gov)
Provides indemnity payments to growers who purchased
crop insurance for production and quality losses related to drought and other weather hazards, including losses from an inability to plant caused by an insured cause of loss.
Provides Emergency and Operating loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters or livestock quarantine and can pay for farm operating and family living expenses.
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) (usda.gov)
Provides financial cost-share assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or, where applicable, rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines lost by natural disasters. A qualifying mortality loss in excess of 15 percent (in excess of normal mortality) must be sustained to trigger assistance.
Emergency Watershed Protection | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
Offers vital recovery options for local communities to help people reduce hazards to life and property caused by floodwaters, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes, windstorms, and other natural disasters. Project funds address erosion related watershed impairments by supporting activities such as removing debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged drainage facilities; repairing levees and structures; and reseeding damaged areas.
Emergency Relief Program (usda.gov)
The Emergency Relief Program (ERP) helps agricultural producers offset the impacts of natural disasters. Congress included emergency relief funding in the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act. This law targets at least $750 million for livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfires. USDA is working diligently to develop the programs, policies, and provisions required to equitably distribute these much-needed payments to producers hard-hit by catastrophic disaster events the past two years (2020 and 2021). Through proactive communication and outreach, USDA will keep producers and stakeholders informed as updated program details are available.
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing).
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
Provides emergency relief for losses due to feed or water shortages, disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, which are not adequately addressed by other disaster programs.
Available to producers with agriculture operations located in a county under a primary or contiguous Secretarial Disaster designation. These low-interest loans help producers recover from production and physical losses.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
Provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate land severely damaged by natural disasters and to implement emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.
State and Federal: As a result of the heavy rainfall in early 2023 causing floodwater challenges for many of us in California’s agriculture community, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has developed a new webpage providing helpful links to flood recovery resources available from state and federal partners. https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/FloodRecovery
The Terrestrial Reserve for Emissions and Exchange Systems (TREES) Program
This program serves as a link between commercial enterprises aiming to offset their greenhouse gas emissions and the agricultural sector, where farmers can earn revenue through carbon sequestration. Enterprises (i.e., airlines seeking to balance their emissions) create the demand for carbon credits. In response, the California Bountiful Foundation acts as an administrator and verifier, assessing and quantifying the carbon stored in the woody material of tree orchards and grapevines on farms. The Foundation will facilitate contracts with farmers and direct sales of carbon credits to businesses, enabling them to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers earn revenue for their carbon sequestration efforts and commit to biochar production and soil incorporation, enhancing the program’s environmental impact.
For more information, please visit Trees California Bountiful Foundation
Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program
USDA’s Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) provides direct financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who suffered at least a 15% decrease in allowable gross revenue in calendar year 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Seeds For Bees – Cover Crop Program
This program provides growers and orchardists in California free or subsidized cover crop seeds designed by Project Apis m., along with technical support. This incentive gives growers an opportunity to try out cover crops for themselves at a reduced cost so that they can experience the benefits first hand. If you are a grower and are interested in participating, please visit Apply to Enroll – Project Apis m.is
