CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS
SACRAMENTO, August 15, 2018 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) began accepting grant applications today from organizations that can provide technical assistance to applicants for the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture programs, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural operations.
Eligible organizations, including non-profit groups, academic institutions and resource conservation districts, can apply to assist applicants of three Climate Smart Agriculture programs, the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), the Healthy Soils Program (HSP), and the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). The programs aim to boost climate resiliency through water conservation, soil health improvement and water quality protection.
“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.
CDFA will award grant funds starting at $5,000, with additional funding allocated based on the number of applicants served. Each organization can receive up to $60,000.
More information about eligibility and program requirements is available at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi. Applications must be submitted by email tocdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov no later than September 14, 2018 5:00 p.m. PT. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.
Climate Smart Agriculture technical assistance funding is provided by California Climate Investments, 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. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects
include 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 across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.
Additional funding is provided by Proposition 68 (SB 5, De León), The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018. Proposition 68 was passed by voters in June 2018. More information can be found at: http://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/p68.aspx
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California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Public Affairs
1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0462, www.cdfa.ca.gov
