The California Department of Food and Agriculture'’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation has posted a Draft Request for Grant Applications for public comment, concerning the Department’s Organic Transition Pilot Program. 

The pilot program was created and supported with $5 million in funding by the Budget Act of 2022. The purpose is to provide support to farmers and ranchers who prepare land for organic certification. 

The majority of support will be used for financial incentives, with funds also to be spent on outreach and technical assistance. A high priority will be Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

The program is designed as a block grant to be administered through local organizations that demonstrate the expertise and partnerships needed to accomplish the program’s objectives. Applicants could include Resource Conservation Districts, California Native American Tribes, UC Cooperative Extension offices, or other non-profits. Organizations would apply to administer between $500,000 and $2 million each in funds and assistance to farmers and ranchers, whom they would identify after receiving an award. 

The Draft Request for Grant Applications may be read at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/. Public comments will be accepted through April 14, 2023 and should be sent to [email protected].

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture