Grants for Technical Assistance for Climate Smart Agriculture Programs Now Being Accepted by CDFA

Intent on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agricultural operations, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) began accepting grant applications last week from organizations that can provide technical assistance to applicants for the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture programs. CDFA will award grant funds to selected organizations starting at $5,000. Additional funding may be allocated based on the number of applicants served. Each qualified organization can receive up to $60,000.

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programs aim to boost climate resiliency through water conservation, soil health improvement and water quality protection. Eligible organizations to provide technical assistance to CSA applicants can include non-profit groups, academic institutions and resource conservation districts. Applicants can apply to assist in one of three CSA programs:

• State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) which provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations.
• The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program provides financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health.
• The Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices in California, which will result in reduced GHG emissions

“These partner organizations provide farmers with technical expertise they need to reach their climate goals, whether it’s conserving water, improving soil health or boosting water quality,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

Funding for CSA technical assistance is provided by California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that puts billions of Cap and Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.  CCI projects have included affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more.  At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households throughout California.

The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. Additional funding for CSA is provided by Proposition 68 (SB 5, Senator De León-D-District 24-Los Angeles), The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018.

More information about eligibility and program requirements is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi. Applications must be submitted by email to: [email protected] no later than September 14, 2018 5:00 p.m. PT. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

For more information regarding CCI, go to: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov. Additional information on Proposition 68 is available at: http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/p68.aspx.