The CCOF Foundation supports farmers transitioning to organic practices because we know that organic agriculture is a proven solution to climate change, economic insecurity, and health inequities.
Our organic transition program makes sure that transitioning farmers
- have the financial stability to transition;
- get professional technical support in key areas of agronomy, business and financial literacy, marketing, and market development; and
- can access community support and mentorship to transition.
In collaboration with our partners, we offer programs that
- provide grant funding for organic transition,
- provide professional technical assistance tailored to farmers’ needs, and
- support social, community, and mentorship networks for successful transition.
Together with the Rustic Canyon Family, the CCOF Foundation is giving $10,000 grants to farmers transitioning to organic practices. These grants and technical assistance are available to small farmers from Latinx communities in the Central Coast of California transitioning to regenerative organic production.*
Applicant Eligibility
Organic Transition grant applicants must
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be from Latinx communities of the California Central Coast (Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties);
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already be practicing organic production methods;
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have a business plan for transitioning to certified organic production or have identified a means to develop a plan for how they will transition or expand organic acreage on their farm or ranch;
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demonstrate financial need;
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reside and farm/ranch in the United States (this includes U.S. territories);
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have a minimum of five years of agricultural production experience;
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have at least two years of experience running or owning their business and/or equivalent experience; and
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submit a final report at the end of the grant period.
Producers of all crop and livestock types that are eligible for organic certification are encouraged to apply.
Grant applications close December 10, 2021.
Application must be completed online: https://bit.ly/CCOF-GRANT.
The application is available in both English and Spanish.
Applications must be completed online no later than midnight (PST) on December 10, 2021. Incomplete applications or applications received after this date will not be considered.
For more information, contact Larissa Hernandez at lhernandez@ccof.org or (831) 346-6324.
*With the USDA National Organic Program requirements as its baseline, regenerative organic farming includes hallmarks of organic production that have existed for decades, focusing on soil-building practices and improving natural resources and habitats.
The CCOF Foundation knows a great need exists for organic transition support beyond this region and community and is working toward the possibility of expanding the program in the future. For now, to ensure essential technical and community support are integrated as part of transition support, the program needs be limited to a specific region and community. By narrowing the scope of this current offering, we and our partners can more effectively work with producers toward advancing organic.