Climate Smart Agriculture Program
Contact Your Community Education Specialist
What is Climate Smart Ag?
Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) addresses the risk that the agriculture industry faces due to changing climate conditions. It encompasses management practices that increase soil carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve on-farm efficiencies, and promote sustainable land practices. CSA promotes increasing agricultural productivity, building resiliency to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
CDFA Climate Smart Programs
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Funding for non-digester related manure management practices that will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Projects can be funded up to $750,000 and could consist of pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure. Recipients are: dairy and livestock operators. |
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The HSP Incentives Program provides funding for practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These projects can be awarded up to $100,000 for farmers and ranchers and can include; compost application, range planting, and hedgerow planting. |
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Funding to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible projects could include; soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives, and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy. These projects can be funded up to $200,000. |
BLOG
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Sheep in the Vineyard?
Why integrate livestock into your cropping system? Historically, farmers raised both crops and livestock because they are mutually beneficial. In an article titled, “Integrating Livestock and Crops: Improving Soil, Solving Problems, Increasing...
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Spotlight on SWEEP - NAPA Farms, LLC
In 2021, Nav Athwal, of NAPA Farms, LLC received funding through the CDFA Statewide Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). He has 140 acres of young pistachio trees in Merced County, and wanted to build an irrigation system as efficiently as...
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CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program open until April 4, 2024
CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program open until April 4, 2024 The CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program is open until April 4, 2024 and has $52.8 million in funding available. There are 4 Different Track Options: Track 4 will fund...
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Update on CDFA’s 2023 SWEEP Application
Many of you might know that the 2023 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) has been placed on pause due to a deficit in the state budget. This pause will remain in effect until Governor Newsom releases his proposed budget later...
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CDFA’s 2023 SWEEP Incentive Grant is Open!
New Update! CDFA has opened the SWEEP application as of December 5th, 2023. SWEEP applications are open until January 26th, 2024. Funding will be announced and awarded February 2024. What is SWEEP? The CDFA's State Water Efficiency...
Please complete the interest survey link below to be included on Heather's mailing list for notices when the grants become available.
Resources
Grant Updates
Climate Smart Agriculture Grant Update!
Grants available to growers and ranchers in the Yuba-Sutter area:
- Colusa Indian Community Council - Block Grant for the State Water Enhancement and Efficiency Program (SWEEP) and Healthy Soils Program (HSP) - Opening Soon
- Project Apis m. - Seeds for Bees Grant - Discount for seeds to be used in addition to HSP
- Zero Food Print - "Restore" Grant -Additional money to help with Healthy Soils Practices.
- AgWest Farm Credit - New Producers Grant - Closed for this Year 2024. TBD check back around March 2025. However, check out requirement and start preparing now.
- Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program - Mentors can get $50/hr. up to 6 hrs. for mentoring beginning farmers and ranchers. Mentors must have 10 years of experience to mentor someone.
- OPEN NOW! May 1 - June 30, 2024 - https://www.farmraise.com/blue-diamond-climate-smart-practice-program
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Heather Montgomery @530-822-7515 or email hmontgomery@ucanr.edu.