The Organic Transition Grant Program

The Organic Transition Grant Program offers financial and technical support to California farmers and ranchers transitioning their land to certified organic production. Managed by the CCOF Foundation, the program addresses the three-year certification waiting period during which producers must follow organic practices without the benefit of organic price premiums. To ease this financial and operational burden, the grant provides $10,000 per year for up to three years, totaling $30,000. The program supports producers of all crops and livestock eligible for organic certification and encourages the use of regenerative organic practices. Participants receive not only funding but also mentorship and guidance in key areas such as agronomy, business management, financial literacy, marketing, and market development. The assistance is tailored to help producers develop viable organic systems and long-term business plans as they prepare for certification. Eligible applicants must reside and operate in California, be at least 18 years old, and have at least five years of agricultural production experience, including two years of operating a farming or ranching business. Applicants must be transitioning land to organic, provide supporting documentation such as a business or organic systems plan, and submit profit and loss statements. For leased land, a letter of landowner approval is required. Applicants must also include a reference letter, a farm map, and other application materials. Grantees are expected to track and report all expenses and progress annually. They must also cooperate with CCOF on certification tracking, land mapping, and other data reporting throughout the grant period. Allowable uses of funds include organic seeds, livestock and feed, pest control and fertilizers, soil and water testing, certification fees, farming supplies, composting tools, and on-farm processing or distribution equipment. Unallowable expenses include land rent, labor costs, and expenditures unrelated to the transitioning acreage. The next application window runs from November 10 to December 10, 2025. The application will be available in English and Spanish. Current grantees from the Organic Transition Program do not need to reapply. Interested applicants can contact [email protected] or call (831) 346-6324 for further assistance.

Emphasize organic goals and community engagement; prepare documentation ahead of time; clearly describe transition plans and budget use; tailor plans to meet regenerative organic standards.