California Underserved and Small Producers (CUSP) - Round 3

We are no longer accepting applications. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Brief Overview and Context: 
The Asian Business Institute and Resource Center (ABIRC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Fresno, California, is proud to share that it has been awarded a CUSP grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This grant will allow the organization to provide technical assistance (TA) and direct drought relief grants, totaling $2.7 million, to eligible socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFRs). 

We want to thank the CDFA and CUSP team for giving ABIRC the opportunity to continue supporting SDFRs within the state of California. 

CUSP Direct Drought Relief Grant Program Details:

The 2023 CUSP Drought Relief Grant Program provides reimbursement grants for expenses incurred as a result of the drought.

The CUSP Program targets small and medium scale agricultural producers, prioritizing Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers as defined per USDA guidelines.

Required Documents:

  • Valid State ID/Driver’s License or Other Valid Identification (Not Expired) 

  • Most current and up-to-date lease agreement and/or proof of land ownership (Not Expired) 

  • Documents that help verify gross income (e.g., tax returns, sales receipts, yield records, etc...)

  • Documents that prove drought-related expenses (examples are shown below and must be verified with ABIRC staff) 

Examples of covered expenses can include but are not limited to:

  • Drilling of new wells or repairs on existing wells if sole source of water for operation. To be eligible, an applicant must provide written verification from a Groundwater Sustainability Agency managing the basin or area of the basin where the well is located or proposed to be located approving the action, per Executive Order N-7-22.

  • Increased electric utility bills of 30% or more due to increased electricity rates

  • Surface water costs if increase from year prior

  • Cost of hauling water for livestock

  • Lowering ag well pumps if a primary source of water is lost.

  • Emergency upgrades to irrigation system (paired with conservation) if not covered through CDFA OEFI programs or USDA programs and for other emergency scenarios.

  • Decreased crop yields/crop loss due to less water available or having to fallow land

  • Increased feed costs for dairies and livestock operations

Expenses not covered:

  • Upgrading pump to larger size for the purpose of drawing more water

Please Note: 

  • If you do not provide supporting documents that show covered expenses, a verification checklist will be conducted by a technical assistance provider in place of. 

  • All farmers and ranchers who submit an application will have the opportunity to participate in an optional intake assessment with ABIRC staff. The intake process may take at least 30 minutes and will provide applicants with additional information about programs and assistance available through ABIRC. The intake assessment is NOT required for CUSP applicants.

  • All submitted documentation is subjected to be verified by ABIRC TA providers and its administrators for validity.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to email us at CUSP@fresnoabirc.org or call at 559-402-0067.