The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is pleased to announce grant applications are now being accepted for the LandFlex Grant Program. The $25 million grant program awards funds to Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) within critically overdrafted basins, who will then grant awards to growers to: 1. immediately idle land as a drought-relief measure for a period of approximately one year and 2. permanently eliminate groundwater overdraft of these same lands. The program targets operators of small- and mid-sized farms in areas where the reduction of agricultural pumping would protect drinking water wells from going dry.

DWR, in coordination with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is working directly with partners in non-governmental organizations and the agriculture industry to reach vulnerable communities in need and provide small or disadvantaged farmers access to the program. Partners include the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Self-Help Enterprises, Western United Dairies Foundation, and the Almond Alliance.

The grant application process comes after the completion and review of public comments for the program’s draft guidelines. Final guidelines can be found online at water.ca.gov/landflex. GSAs may submit applications from January 17 through February 3, 2023.

For GSAs interested in applying for a LandFlex grant, DWR will host an Applicant Workshop on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register for the workshop, click this link: https://ca-watergov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctde2urjsrHNJWfQAX6h38TYvFe0_or7yX

To learn more about the LandFlex program and how to apply, please visit: water.ca.gov/landflex.

Grower Application Period will open February 3, 2023. Final GSA Selection is still pending.