Photo of Veronica, OTP cohort 2023, courtesy of Brisa Ranch.
The CCOF Foundation, in partnership with GrubMarket, supports farmers making the transition to organic agriculture practices because we know that organic production is a proven solution to climate change, economic insecurity, and health inequities. We are giving $10,000 grants to underserved small farmers in California who are transitioning to organic practices.
Applications are due Friday this week on October 27, 2023, by 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT.
Program participants receive grants, mentorship, and technical support in agronomy, business and financial literacy, marketing, and market development over a three-year period.
Grant Amount: $10,000 per year for three years
Applicant Eligibility
Organic Transition grant applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be farming or ranching in California (and must reside in California)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Already be practicing organic production methods
- Provide written documentation of landowner’s approval to transition if renting/leasing
- Have a business plan, marketing plan (for after certification), and/or an Organic Systems Plan for transitioning to certified organic production and/or be in the process of completing these plans
- Demonstrate financial need
- Submit supporting financial documentation (i.e., Profit and Loss Statements from current and previous years, tax documentation such as Schedule F)
- Have a minimum of five years of agricultural production experience
- Have at least two years of experience running or owning a farming or ranching business and/or equivalent experience
- Be willing to conduct an interview as part of the application process
- Submit a letter of reference with your application
- Submit a yearly report and 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. Applicants from underserved communities will be prioritized.
Grant applications are open September 25 through October 27, 2023.
Current OTP grantees need not re-apply.
The application must be completed online at https://bit.ly/CCOF-GRANT.
The application is available in both English and Spanish.
Applications must be completed online no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) PDT on October 27, 2023. Incomplete applications or applications received after this date will not be considered.
For more information, contact Larissa Hernandez at grants@ccof.org or (831) 824-6123.