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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orange County
Orange County sits within the Southern California Coastal Plains and Mountains (MLRA 19) region. Elevation averages about 132 feet.
Temperatures in Orange County range from a January mean low of 47°F to a July mean high near 83°F. Annual precipitation averages 13.0 inches.
Orange County ran 158 farms, 37,658 acres of farmland, and 45 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: equine, equine, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southern California |
| Top Commodities | Fruit & tree nuts, Vegetables, Berries, Floriculture, Horses, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Orange County.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
950 N Ramona Blvd Ste 6, San Jacinto, CA 92582
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
44811 Date Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Orange County Operations
Based on Orange County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
EQIP focuses on water conservation and soil health in small-scale intensive operations. Beginning Farmer programs support urban agriculture and direct-market vegetable production in this highly developed county.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Los Angeles County, California, Riverside County, California, San Bernardino County, California, and San Diego County, California. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Orange County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the California guide: California Farm Programs Guide
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