The California Department of Food and Agriculture has released a draft request for applications for the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, with up to $40 million available for the upcoming grant cycle. The program was highlighted as CDFA began gathering public input on the proposed funding opportunities.
California Farm to School Grants Open for Public Comment
The draft request for applications is available for public comment through 5 p.m. September 11. Funding for the grant cycle comes from the 2025 and 2026 budget acts, which provide up to $40 million for projects supporting California’s farm to school efforts.
CDFA will also set aside up to 10 percent of available awards for tribal governments and tribal-based nonprofit organizations.
The Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is designed to strengthen connections between California agriculture and schools while expanding opportunities for students to access locally produced food.
Program Has Invested $86 Million Since 2021
The latest funding cycle builds on several years of investment through the program. Since 2021, the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has invested $86 million across 375 projects.
Those projects have reached an estimated 49 percent of all California public school students, highlighting the program’s broad reach across the state’s school system.
The continued investment provides opportunities for schools, agricultural organizations and other eligible partners to develop projects that connect students with California-grown food and agriculture.
Informational Sessions Planned
CDFA will host three informational sessions in English and one in Spanish to help potential applicants understand the draft request for applications.
The sessions will provide an overview of the funding opportunity while also allowing time for questions and public comments. Sessions are scheduled to run from August 21 through September 3.
Interested organizations and members of the public can find registration information and additional details through the CDFA website.
The public comment period gives agricultural organizations, schools, tribal entities and other stakeholders an opportunity to review the proposed grant structure and provide feedback before the final request for applications is released.
For more information on the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program and the upcoming public comment period, check out the audio report below.