Hardship Assistance Fund - Extreme Weather and Climate Impact Relief

The Hardship Assistance Fund is a disaster relief program administered by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Foundation in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This fund is designed to provide direct financial assistance to organic farmers and processors in California who have been adversely impacted by extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. CCOF, a long-standing organization committed to advancing organic agriculture, leverages its expertise in organic certification and advocacy to manage this critical support initiative. The purpose of this grant is to mitigate the financial strain placed on organic operations due to unforeseen climate events. Through the CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CUSP), CCOF disburses reimbursement grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. These funds are intended to help cover costs incurred as a direct result of weather or climate disruptions, including losses documented through financial statements or receipts. However, it is important to note that grant funds may not be used to pay for organic certification fees. Applicants must be either certified organic operations with valid USDA-accredited certification or non-certified operations that are transitioning to organic; however, priority is given to certified organic producers. Only farming or ranching businesses physically operating in California are eligible. To apply, applicants must submit a detailed description of the hardships faced, along with relevant supporting financial documentation such as profit and loss statements and proof of loss. Recipients of the grant are also required to submit a final progress report six months after funds are awarded. The application process is entirely online and is structured around quarterly funding cycles. Each application round opens on the first Monday and closes on the last Friday of each quarter. For the year 2025, the cycles are: January 6 to March 28, April 7 to June 27, July 7 to September 26, and October 6 to December 19. Only complete applications submitted by the closing date are reviewed, and grants are awarded during the following quarter. Applications are available in both English and Spanish. The fund aims to support the resilience of California’s organic agricultural sector by offering timely financial aid in the wake of environmental disruptions. All inquiries regarding the grant can be directed to grants@ccof.org or by phone at 831-346-6324. The CCOF Foundation emphasizes community support and accessibility, and Spanish-language assistance is available for applicants.

Only fully complete applications are reviewed. Prioritize submission by quarterly deadlines. Submit all required supporting documentation.