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Imperial County, California

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Desert valley floor lies below sea level, bordered by the Chocolate Mountains and Colorado River. The Salton Sea and extensive irrigation canal systems dominate this arid agricultural landscape.

Year-round crop production utilizes Colorado River water delivered through extensive irrigation systems. The desert climate enables multiple harvests annually of vegetables, alfalfa, and specialty crops.


Quick Facts

RegionDesert
Top CommoditiesVegetables, Cattle & calves, Dairy, Wheat, Fruit & tree nuts, Corn
Farms & Ranches~680 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~740,000 acres
Average Farm Size~1,500 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Imperial County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.


Programs for Imperial County Operations

Based on Imperial County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Water efficiency programs optimize irrigation practices in this desert environment dependent on Colorado River allocations. Soil salinity management and dust control measures address unique challenges of below-sea-level farming.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.


Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Imperial County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Imperial County?"


Your Next Steps in Imperial County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide

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