CUSP Program

California Underserved and Small Producer (CUSP) Extreme Weather Relief Program

Program is now closed and no longer accepting applications.

Program Overview 

From 2024-2026 IERCD partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to administer the California Underserved and Small  Producer Extreme Weather Relief Program. This reimbursement grant program provided vital financial relief to small and socially disadvantaged California producers recovering from extreme climate-related impacts—such as drought, flooding, heavy rain, wildfires, extreme heat, extreme cold, and severe windstorms—incurred from 2017 onwards. Funding directly assisted farmers with additional costs related to  crop loss/replacement, debris removal, equipment damage, critical infrastructure repairs, and more.

Program Conclusion 

With all allocated extreme weather relief funds successfully distributed across 6 application rounds, the IERCD CUSP Extreme Weather Relief Program has officially come to a close. Through this program, IERCD awarded direct financial assistance to 240 farmers and ranchers, with individual grant awards up to $20,000. This program served as a vital lifeline, supporting producers as they rebuild their operations and continue to serve their local community. 

Participating Farmers & Testimonials

The image features Luis Mora from Mora Farm in Chino, CA, sharing his story about agriculture and recovery after floods.
Luis Mora from Mora Farm in Chino, CA, shares his story of recovering from flooding with support for operational costs.
The image features Luis Mora from Mora Farm in Chino, CA, sharing his story about agriculture and recovery after floods.
Luis Mora from Mora Farm in Chino, CA, shares his story of recovering from flooding with support for operational costs.
Gaspar Torres from Torres Ville Farm in Chino, CA, shares his passion for farming and received funding for flood recovery efforts.
Gaspar Torres from Torres Ville Farm in Chino, CA, shares his passion for agriculture and stories of recovery after a flood.
Gaspar Torres from Torres Ville Farm in Chino, CA, shares his passion for farming and received funding for flood recovery efforts.
Gaspar Torres from Torres Ville Farm in Chino, CA, shares his passion for agriculture and stories of recovery after a flood.
Rafael Izarraraz from Ontario, CA, shares his passion for farming and his recovery from crop loss due to flooding.
The image features Rafael Izarraraz, a farmer from Ontario, CA, who recovered from flood damage to his strawberry crops.
Rafael Izarraraz from Ontario, CA, shares his passion for farming and his recovery from crop loss due to flooding.
The image features Rafael Izarraraz, a farmer from Ontario, CA, who recovered from flood damage to his strawberry crops.
The image features Jose Torres from Torres Farm in Chino, CA, who shares his dedication to agriculture and challenges faced.
Jose Torres of Torres Farm in Chino, CA, shares his story of farming strawberries and overcoming crop damage.
The image features Jose Torres from Torres Farm in Chino, CA, who shares his dedication to agriculture and challenges faced.
Jose Torres of Torres Farm in Chino, CA, shares his story of farming strawberries and overcoming crop damage.

Archived Resources 

For historical documentation, program guidelines, or inquiries regarding future grant opportunities, please contact the IERCD Sustainable Agriculture team or visit our program archives linked here.