FARMER — Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions

FARMER — Agricultural Equipment Replacement Grants (Air Districts)

Supports agricultural equipment replacement grants via California local air districts.

The Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) program, administered by the California Air Resources Board through local air districts, provides grants to replace older agricultural equipment with cleaner alternatives. The program is funded through California's Cap-and-Trade proceeds via the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, with annual appropriations historically in the $50–150 million range statewide. The most recent program guidelines were approved on October 24, 2024. CARB does not accept applications directly; all applications must be submitted through the applicant's local Air Quality Management District.

FARMER covers a range of equipment used in agricultural operations, including harvesting equipment, heavy-duty trucks, agricultural pump engines, tractors, and other agricultural machinery. Eligible applicants include for-profit agricultural operators, nonprofits, and individuals engaged in farming operations in California; universities and research organizations are not eligible. Because administration is delegated to local air districts, award amounts, application windows, and scoring criteria vary by district and are not published at the CARB program level.

The most effective approach is to contact the relevant local air district early to understand district-specific timelines, available funding, and any additional eligibility requirements beyond the statewide guidelines. Applicants should be prepared to document equipment age, operational use, and California operations. Given that funding is distributed through multiple districts, outreach to adjacent districts can also expand access where cross-district participation is permitted.