Healthy Soils Program

Please visit the websites below for detailed information.

HSP Incentives Program
HSP Demonstration Projects

CDFA HSP received $50 million for the Healthy Soils Program (SB 129, Chapter 69). For updates on new solicitations, please join our mailing list by clicking "Sign up for email notifications" under "Email Subscriptions" on the right of this page.

Consideration of New Practices Under the HSP

CDFA accepted proposals for consideration of new practices to be included for funding under the HSP between June 29, 2020 and August 28, 2020. Details of proposal requirements, process for consideration and submission are available in the Request for Proposals.
Proposals submitted
New! Submitted proposals were reviewed by a technical sub-committee of subject matter experts from California universities and USDA NRCS. Recommendations developed by CDFA staff as a result of the review process are available for public comment through August 27, 2021. Comments must be submitted via email to CDFA.HSP_tech@cdfa.ca.gov by 5 p.m. PT on August 27, 2021.

Tentative Timeline for the Upcoming Rounds of 2021 HSP Incentives Program and Demonstration Projects.

Item	Estimated Timeframe*
Public comment period for new management practices included under the HSP	July – August 2021
Public comment period for draft program guidelines (Request for Grant Applications)	September 2021
Announcement of funding availability (application submission period)	October 2021 – February 2022
Review and awards	October 2021 – March 2022
Projects begin implementation	January 2022 onward

*Subject to change.

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.