CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS TO PROVIDE WORKSHOPS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CAP-AND-TRADE-FUNDED HEALTHY SOILS INCENTIVES PROGRAM

SACRAMENTO, July 7, 2017 – CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions, and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds to provide technical assistance to applicants for grants from the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program, funded by California’s cap-and-trade program.

HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas 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 Investment 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 made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. This effort is in partnership with the Strategic Growth Council which provides technical and community outreach assistance funds from the California Climate Investments.

Applicants may apply for funding between $2,500 and $5,000. Applications must meet several minimum requirements including holding at least one technical assistance workshop within a disadvantaged community, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to allow growers to complete HSP Incentives Program applications.

Technical assistance will be made available through a $25,000 partnership grant between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to HSP Incentives Program applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of HSP Incentives Program and the implementation of conservation management practices to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health.

Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Technical Assistance: Request for Applications” at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/. The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email no later than July 20, 2017, 5:00 p.m. PST. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

For more information on how cap-and-trade auction proceeds are improving California, visit California Climate Investments.