Small Farm Assistance Program

The Small Farm Assistance Program provides monetary incentives for property owners to remove irrigated agriculture and fallow land through December 31, 2039. Beginning June 22, 2026, farmers who irrigate 20 or fewer acres with water pumped from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin may apply to receive funds set aside for groundwater conservation. Fallowed areas must have been commercially irrigated within the previous (1) year to qualify.
 

How is the rebate calculated?

Approved applicants will receive a one-time rebate of $55/ acre-foot of water saved.

The following example demonstrates how an applicant who irrigates 10 acres of vineyard may receive a one-time rebate of $9,625:

• Eligible land area to be enrolled: 10-acre irrigated cropland
• Crop type: Wine Grapes (1.25 AFY)
• Removal period of irrigated agriculture: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2039
• Total duration of enrollment: 14-years
• Total volume of groundwater offset / not pumped: 175 AF
• Financial assistance payment rate: $55/AF
• Total amount paid to landowner: $9,625

To receive payment, an applicant must file a deed-restriction limiting new/additional planting through December 31, 2039 and demonstrate how noxious weeds will be limited and soil erosion minimized. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or payment. Program funding is limited and applications are reviewed against eligibility, available funding, and program priorities.
 

How to apply:
The application is completed through the Fallowed Land Registry, a program developed and managed by the County of Luis Obispo Groundwater Sustainability Department and the Paso Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. Visit the Small Farm Assistance Program | Fallowed Land Registry for more information about the program and to enroll today!

Questions?

For questions about the Small Farm Assistance Program, application requirements, or the deed restriction process, please contact Blaine Reely, Director of Groundwater Sustainability.
[email protected]