Small Farm Fund Finder
Private / NonprofitRolling / continuousTechnical assistanceCalifornia only

SDFSA Land Tenure & Stewardship Initiative

San Diego Food System Alliance

Hands-on help negotiating equitable farm leases and deed transfers, forming community agricultural land trusts and commons, collective governance support, and pathways to debt-free capital for land stewardship in the San Diego region.

Typical award
Free technical assistance; capital support varies by project
Deadline
Rolling — contact the initiative team
Type of support
Technical assistance · Land access & farm transfer
Who can apply
Individual producer, Beginning / underserved, Non-profit, Tribal
Fits these operations
Vegetables & produce, Mixed / diversified, Urban farm, Orchard & fruit

Am I eligible?

  • Farmers, land stewards, and community projects in San Diego County
  • Priority for BIPOC and historically excluded land seekers

How to apply

  1. 1Reach out describing your land situation or goal
  2. 2Work with staff on lease terms, trust structure, or governance
  3. 3Get connected to aligned capital sources if purchase is the goal

What you'll need

  • Current lease or land description
  • Description of the tenure outcome you want

Timeline & contact

Months, depending on the transaction
Get help: San Diego Food System Alliance

Ready to apply?

Applications go through San Diego Food System Alliance, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.

This listing was last hand-checked August 2026.

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