California Farmer Relief Fund - Community Alliance with Family Farmers

Rooted in care. Ready in crisis.

Since 2020, the California Farmer Relief Fund (CFRF) has provided direct financial assistance to over 1,000 small-scale family farmers impacted by climate disasters, rising costs, and systemic exclusion. Administered by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) in partnership with grassroots and regional organizations, the fund prioritizes those most often left out of traditional aid: BIPOC, immigrant, and undocumented farmers.

Do you need relief?

If you're a small-scale farmer in California, CFRF may be able to help.

Don't miss your chance to apply for CUSP Drought funds!

CUSP Drought applications close on October 15th, 2025

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Learn more about the new grant application portal, eligibility requirements for the California Underserved Small Producer (CUSP) Program, documentation quality, and to get connected with technical assistance providers if need be!

"To us, getting this grant made us feel seen as small farmers."

Claire Main, Capay Valley

Thank you CAFF for the continuing support of small family farmers. A drought farm grant would benefit our small family farm greatly. We farm in an area in Southern California that can be especially bad in the summer months. A grant will help us immensely in our ability to keep our trees, farm, animals alive and healthy. It keeps our farm standing on its feet, preventing crops from drying, ensuring we have enough water and it helps keeping a balanced ecosystem.

This grant means so much to my farm and family right now! We have struggled with so many cost increases caused by the drought that we’ve barely been able to stay afloat. This grant brings much need relief to get us through the winter and better prepare us for next year! I am beyond grateful for this emergency funding!

We're extremely grateful to have received a CFFEF grant from CAFF. The 2021 drought impacted our small farm in a big way. This grant will help us recover the lost momentum of that year by helping us afford the equipment and infrastructure improvements we need to settle into our new site. Our family, employees, and hundreds of members and clients will benefit. Thank you CAFF!

Want to support?

Help us strengthen California’s food system by contributing to a trusted, equitable model for rapid relief.

Why it matters

Small-scale and family farmers form the backbone of California’s local food system—but too often, they’re the last to receive support. When disaster strikes, a timely grant can mean the difference between recovery and closure. CFRF was built to respond quickly and equitably, with a process informed by the people it serves. By supporting this fund, you’re investing in resilience, equity, and the future of our food system.

Our trusted community partners:

Talk to Someone on Our Team

Amber Schat-Kenig is a former Farmer Services Team Member at CAFF that is now contracting through March 2026 to help improve our online grant application system and experience.

She runs a hybrid agribusiness in Northern Oregon helping farmers and private property owners with natural resource management goals, including the use of targeted grazing animals when appropriate.

Her main role with CAFF is to lead the CUSP Drought 2025 Fall Funding Opportunity and support farmers that want to apply with Technical Assistance. Don’t be shy, reach out if you have questions!