Grants for Organic Transition
The Organic Transition program gives $10,000 grants to farmers transitioning their land to organic production.
When farmers transition their land from conventional to organic, they have to wait three years before achieving certification and selling their products as organic. This three-year period is incredibly risky for farmers—they’re learning new farming techniques, creating new systems for their business, and cultivating a new market for their soon-to-be-organic products, all while growing food without earning the price premiums afforded to certified organic goods. Organic Transition grants eliminate the financial barrier for farmers who want to make the leap to organic production.
The more we grow organic acreage, the more we reap the benefits of organic: combating climate change, bolstering our economy, and relieving health inequities.
Looking for financial support during your organic transition process?
These grants and technical assistance are available to small farmers from the California Central Coast, Southern Coast, and Central Valley regions who are interested in transitioning to organic production.*
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:
- Be farming or ranching on the California Central & Southern Coasts and Central Valley (Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Colusa, Glenn, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare, Yolo, and Yuba Counties)
- Already be practicing organic production methods
- 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
- Demonstrate financial need
- Reside and farm/ranch in the United States (this includes U.S. territories)
- Have a minimum of five years of agricultural production experience
- Have at least two years of running or owning their 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
- Grant funds cannot be used for organic certification fees
Producers of all crop and livestock types that are eligible for organic certification are encouraged to apply. Applicants from underserved communities will be prioritized
The application period for this grant is closed.
For more information or assistance, please contact Larissa Hernandez at lhernandez@ccof.org or (831) 346-6324.
*CCOF recognizes the need exists for support beyond these counties and is working to expand this program to other regions. The program is limited to specific regions to ensure essential technical and community support are integrated as part of the transition support. By narrowing the scope of this offering, we and our partners can more effectively work with producers toward their goals and advancing organic.