Did You Know? CDFA is now accepting applications for its Healthy Soils Program (HSP) , with $28 million in funding available statewide for on-farm soils health practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health. You could receive up to $100,000 in grant awards to support your agricultural operation in making changes that benefit soil health. Gold Ridge RCD is here to help you apply to CDFA's Healthy Soils Program.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The application submission period will be on a rolling basis, starting February 27, 2020 and continuing until June 26, 2020 or until available funds are expended.

What is CDFA's Healthy Soils Program?

The HSP stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative , a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands. It is comprised of two parts: the HSP Incentives Programs and the HSP Demonstration Projects . The HSP provides financial assistance for implementation of conservation management that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the following objectives: Providing financial incentives to California growers and ranchers for agricultural management practices that improve soil health and climate change. Funding on-farm demonstration projects that conduct research and/or showcase the highlighted conservation management practices. Creating a platform promoting conservation management practices.

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE PRACTICES & PAYMENT RATES:

Hedgerow at Singing Frogs Farm

Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment - $1.24 to $1.96/acre Hedgerow Planting - $10.82/linear foot Riparian Forest Buffer - $2,316.06 to $10,306.24/acre Tree/Shrub Establishment - $915.30/acre Prescribed Grazing on Pasture - $22.02/acre Silvopasture - $235.20/acre Compost Application to Grasslands - $50/ ton  And 25+ other eligible practices!

For more information and to apply, visit CDFA's website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/

What's Changed Since 2019?

The 2020 HSP includes several changes to the Incentives Program, including a rolling application period (Feb 27th - June 26th) , with awards granted on a first-come basis. The HSP Demonstration Projects applications are due by April 23 . Additional changes are as follows: Inclusion of budgetary payments in the greenhouse-gas calculator COMET-Planner Tool; use of the RePlan Tool for agricultural field identification; a reduced number of questions for a more streamlined application process; and unprecedented technical assistance, including CDFA-funded providers and 10 dedicated Community Education Specialists through the UC Cooperative Extension Services Agriculture and Natural Resources.

QUICK FACTS AWARD AMOUNT: Grants now up to $100,000 per farm for adopting approved practices, no cost share required. PROJECT TIMEFRAME: Three year grant timeline; If funded through HSP, implementation must begin during the calendar year in which it was awarded. EXTRA POINTS FOR: Projects with cost share or matching funds from programs like USDA's NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Projects on farms with a Conservation Plan (ex. Carbon Farm Plan, NRCS Conservation Plan, etc). Projects providing benefits to, or located within, disadvantaged and low-income communities.

Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Application Assistance

Gold Ridge RCD is providing FREE application assistance! We are providing full one-on-one assis tance to complete all steps of your application including technical advice and mapping. W e will serve as many folks as we can but will prioritize those who contact us first. Please call or email:

William Hart, Gold Ridge RCD (707) 823-5244 ext. 15  william@goldridgercd.org

Helpful Links: "How to Apply" video: 30-minute video from the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation that includes tutorials on the RePlan and COMET-Planner tools. Frequently Asked Questions: Great resource for common questions. Healthy Soils Program Webpage: A list of Technical Assistance Providers and additional solicitation details. PDF Request for Grant Applications: Explains the HSP in greater detail.

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