CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS – SECOND SOLICITATION

Two-week application period is now through November 30, 2018

SACRAMENTO, November 16, 2018 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is making a second solicitation for technical assistance grants to support its Climate Smart Agriculture activities. CDFA is now accepting grant applications starting today from organizations that can provide technical assistance to applicants for the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture incentive programs, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide multiple environmental benefits in agricultural operations.

In August, CDFA released an initial request for proposals for technical service providers. This is a second solicitation aimed to increase the number of technical assistance providers statewide.

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.

“There is a significant need for technical assistance to support our Climate Smart Agriculture activities” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I am pleased to offer another solicitation so our farmers and ranchers can get the technical help they need in calculating the required greenhouse gases and water savings”.

Each organization can receive up to $60,000, depending on number of programs and funding cycles for which services are provided.

More information about eligibility and program requirements is available at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi. Applications must be submitted by email to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov no later than November 30, 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