Funding Resources
CDFA Grant Programs: Every Active Funding Opportunity for California Agriculture
If your work touches California agriculture whether you are a farmer, rancher, nonprofit, school, government agency, or food business the California Department of Food and Agriculture runs one of the most comprehensive state grant portfolios in the country. Here is a complete guide to what is available, who qualifies, and how to access it.
Who Is Behind It
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is the state agency responsible for promoting and protecting California's $59 billion agricultural industry. Its Office of Grants Administration oversees a portfolio of more than 20 active grant programs covering climate-smart agriculture, healthy food systems, economic development, research, and outreach. Applications are submitted through CDFA's online Grant Opportunity and Administration and Tracking System, known as GOATS, at applications.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/s/.
Currently Open Programs
The Healthy Soils Block Grant Program and the SWEEP Block Grant Program are the two programs currently accepting applications as of mid-2026. Both operate through a block grant model where CDFA partners with regional organizations to administer local programs supporting farmers and ranchers.
The Healthy Soils Block Grant supports conservation agricultural management practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve soil health. The SWEEP Block Grant supports on-farm irrigation systems that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions while conserving water. Concept proposals for both programs were due May 15, 2026 — monitor the CDFA website for the next cycle.
Programs With No Current Open Events
A wide range of additional programs are listed in CDFA's schedule with no upcoming events at this time but expected to open in future cycles. These include the Farm to School Incubator Grant, the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, the California Underserved and Small Producer Grant, the Specialty Crop Block Grant, the California Nutrition Incentive Program, the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, the Urban Agriculture Grant Program, the Farm to Community Food Hubs Program, and more than a dozen others covering climate-smart agriculture, veterinary programs, and food systems research.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility varies by program. Eligible entities across the full portfolio include farmers and ranchers, nonprofits, government agencies, tribal governments, higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and other businesses. Each program page specifies its own eligible entities and application requirements.
How to Apply
Create an account and apply through GOATS at applications.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/s/. Sign up for grant alerts through CDFA's GovDelivery subscription page to receive notifications when new solicitations open.
For questions contact: [email protected] or call 916-657-3231.
Apply and explore programs here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/
BoostGrant helps agricultural organizations, food businesses, and nonprofits find and apply for CDFA and other California state grants. Get started at Boostgrant.com
Frequently asked questions
Are CDFA grants only for farmers?
No. Many programs are open to nonprofits, government agencies, schools, higher education institutions, and food businesses depending on the program.
How do I apply for CDFA grants?
Through the GOATS online portal at applications.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/
Does CDFA charge application fees?
Never. Any message requesting payment to receive a CDFA grant is a scam.
How do I know when new programs open?
Subscribe to CDFA's mailing lists at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new to receive direct alerts.
Grants mentioned in this article
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