Healthy Soils Program
Please visit the websites below for detailed information.
Consideration of New Practices Under the HSP (NEW)
CDFA is now accepting proposals for consideration of new practices to be included for funding under the HSP. For details regarding the proposal requirements, process for consideration and submission, refer to the Request for Proposals provided below:
Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 P.M. PT on August 28, 2020 by email to CDFA.HSP_tech@cdfa.ca.gov. Late submissions will not be considered.
CDFA will host two workshops to explain the requirements for submission of proposals and to answer questions. The workshops will be conducted as webinars with remote participation on the following dates and times:
Thursday, July 30, 2020
2:00 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. PT
Friday, July 31, 2020
2:00 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. PT
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8652588471497157902
Meeting Agenda
Interested stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to register for either session in advance using the link provided above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Workshop Presentation
Soil Organic Carbon Mapping Project
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is undertakng the development of a soil organic carbon map for California. CDFA is looking to engage interested parties to provide early feedback as the map develops. The map will serve as an indicator of soil health as California takes multiple actions to sequester carbon in agricultural soils to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of this process, CDFA will develop a data repository system for soils data submitted to CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program.
Stakeholder workshops and public comment period were conducted in May 2020 to engage interested parties. Relevant documents are available below.
Public Comments on the HSP 2019-20
Public comments received on the draft solicitation documents for the HSP between December 17, 2019 and January 7, 2020.
Public comments received on the HSP framework between September 23, 2019 and October 23, 2019.
What is the CA Healthy Soils Program?
The Healthy Soils Program stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments to promote the development of healthy soils on California's farmlands and ranchlands.
The HSP has two components: the HSP Incentives Program and the HSP Demonstration Projects. The HSP Incentives Program provides financial assistance for implementation of conservation management that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The HSP Demonstration Projects showcase California farmers and rancher's implementation of HSP practices.
How is the healthy soils program funded?
The Healthy Soils Program is funded from the State’s cap and trade proceeds, also known as California Climate Investments (CCI). The HSP has received $40.5 million in funding from the CCI between 2016 and 2019.
CDFA has also received funding of $10 million from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for all Act of 2018.
Which specific soil management practices are eligible for funding?
On farm management practices that include but are not limited to: cover cropping, no-till, reduced-till, mulching, compost application, and conservation plantings.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions about CDFA's healthy soils program please e-mail cdfa.hsp_tech@cdfa.ca.gov.
Email Subscriptions
Program Status
CLOSED
The Healthy Soils Program is not currently accepting applications.