Agriculture Grants

Rural Business-Cooperative Service · $1.5K–$500K

Open to agricultural producers, the USDA REAP program funds renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements, with awards ranging from about $1,500 up to $500,000. Eligibility is limited to agricultural producers (and, under the broader REAP program, certain rural small businesses), so general applicants and urban organizations typically do not qualify. Review the application package and contact a State Energy Coordinator for required forms and current terms.

Coastal Conservancy · Amount varies

Open to nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments for projects along the California coast, San Francisco Bay, and coastal watersheds. Funds feasibility studies, land acquisition, planning, design, permitting, and construction for beaches, parks, trails, habitat restoration, and climate resilience projects, but does not cover ongoing operations or maintenance. Most funding is awarded through a rolling pre-application process; geographically limited to coastal California, and no set award amount or deadline is listed.

Department of Fish and Wildlife · Amount varies

Open to nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments in California conducting research or technological innovation on the environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation. Funds projects on water use, land management, native species, and community engagement related to cultivation practices. No award amount or deadline is listed in the posting, so applicants should confirm current funding levels and timelines with CDFW before applying.

CA Department of Food and Agriculture · $1–$190K

Businesses, individuals, nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments can apply for this CA Department of Food and Agriculture program funding research into new management methods for controlling the beet leafhopper and curly top virus, with awards up to $190,000. Proposals must be submitted 30 days before posted Beet Curly Top Virus Control Board meetings, and funding priority goes to no-pesticide or DPR-approved pesticide approaches, making this a narrow, specialized agricultural research opportunity.

Department of Fish and Wildlife · Amount varies

Open to a broad range of applicants in California, including businesses, individuals, nonprofits, other legal entities, public agencies, and tribal governments, but specifically for livestock producers seeking compensation for confirmed or probable wolf depredation losses. No set award amount or deadline is listed; compensation is determined case-by-case following a CDFW investigation of each incident. Not a general grant program — it only applies to documented wolf-livestock conflict losses in California.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service · $1.5K–$500K

USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (REAP) funds agricultural producers for renewable energy and efficiency projects, with awards ranging from about $1,500 to $500,000. Eligibility is limited to agricultural producers rather than nonprofits or businesses generally, and applicants should contact their State Energy Coordinator for full application requirements.