Climate Bond Funding for Climate Smart Agriculture

Background on Proposition 4 Funding

In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 4, a $10 billion Climate Bond designed to safeguard communities and natural resources from climate change.

The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) will implement these programs.

The Bond requires CDFA to solicit public feedback on each program’s solicitation guidelines. This webpage is the hub for OARS's Climate Bond resources and outreach. We also recommend that you sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest updates. We look forward to your partnership in shaping these programs.

HSP and SWEEP Block Grant Programs

Healthy Soils Program (HSP)

Since 2018, the Healthy Soils Program has helped farmers and ranchers adopt sustainable practices that build soil organic carbon and reduce land-based greenhouse gas emissions. By improving soil structure, water retention, biodiversity, and habitat, these projects strengthen the resilience of California’s farms and ecosystems. The program also invests in research and local outreach to expand the impact of soil-health practices across the state.

Learn about the organizations invited for HSP full proposal

Visit HSP Block Grant page for more details

State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) helps California farmers conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through climate-smart irrigation upgrades. By funding technologies like efficient irrigation systems, pump improvements, and soil moisture monitoring, SWEEP supports growers in becoming more resilient to drought while lowering energy use and operational costs. The program also works through regional Block Grant Recipients who provide hands-on technical assistance and bring resources directly to local communities.

Learn about the organizations invited for SWEEP full proposal

Visit SWEEP Block Grant page for more details

Estimated HSP and SWEEP Block Grant Solicitation Timeline

The following solicitation timeline is for planning purposes and is subject to change:

• Concept Proposal Opens: April 2026
• Full Proposal Notification: June 2026
• Full Proposal Close: August 2026
• Award Notification: October 2026
• Award Execution: January 2027

Regional Farm Equipment Sharing Pilot Program

Prop 4 allocated $15 million to establish the Regional Farm Equipment Sharing Program, intended to support shared use of agricultural equipment among farmers and ranchers. In Fall 2025, legislation updated Section 515 of the Food and Agriculture Code and modified the Climate Bond language, renaming the program the Regional Farmer Equipment and Cooperative Resources Assistance Pilot Program. The legislation also divided the original funding into two objectives: one focused on equipment sharing and another focused on supporting farmer cooperatives.

OARS has named the equipment-sharing objective as the Regional Farm Equipment Sharing Pilot Program (RFESPP). OARS is currently in the early stages of forming an agreement with an organization with expertise in agricultural cooperative governance to support the second objective.

Estimated Regional Farm Equipment Sharing Pilot Program (RFESPP) Grant Solicitation Timeline

Timelines are provided for planning purposes and are subject to change.

• Host Listening Sessions: September 2026
• Publish Application Guidelines and Solicit Public Comment: Winter 2026
• Open Solicitation: Spring 2027

Public Listening Sessions

OARS will hold four public listening sessions from September 2–8, 2026 to gather early feedback on an outline of RFESPP. At the listening sessions, OARS will present a draft program outline. Registration is required.