Financial Incentives Available to California Farms from Healthy Soils Program

Aug 23, 2017

Over $3.75 Million in Incentives Available.

Grants and incentives are available through the Healthy Soils Program for implementation of several management practices including cover crops, compost application, reduced tillage, vegetative barriers, windbreak establishment, woody plantings, and silvopasture.  The program is funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies that promotes the development of healthy soils on California's farmlands and ranchlands. 

Further details of the 2017 Healthy Soil Program (HSP) Incentives Program, eligible agricultural management practices, program requirements and information about the grant application process can be found in the “Healthy Soils Program Incentives Program Request for Grant Applications” document at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/docs/2017-HSPIncentives_RGA.pdf.   Local NRCS offices can provide additional information on eligible agricultural management practices.

Only One Month to Apply! The application period is from August 8 until September 19. CDFA Grant application workshops and webinars are available between August 15-25. Applications are due by 5 PM Sept 19, 2017.

Applications for the HSP Incentives Program and Demonstration Projects are available on the HSP website https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/ The application process is web based and can be accessed through the State Water Resources Control Board website at http://faast.waterboards.ca.gov

Program requirements include a three year minimum duration for all projects where funding will cover implementation of eligible practices for years 1 and 2. Applicants are required to continue the implementation for year 3.