Technical Assistance
The Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Grants Program
Technical assistance in the form of hands-on application assistance to farmers and ranchers is critical to the success of CDFA’s Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programs including the Healthy Soils Program (HSP), the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). One-on-one technical assistance improves accessibility of incentive funding to agricultural operations that otherwise may not have the resources or technical expertise to complete the application process and implement the CSA programs incentivized practices. Each time the AMMP, HSP or SWEEP program is appropriated funding CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation administers a Request for Proposals (RFP) for technical assistance providers.
Who is eligible to receive an award?
Funds awarded through this competitive grant process are distributed to technical assistance providers from Resource Conservation Districts, the University of California Cooperative Extension, and nonprofit organizations, with demonstrated technical expertise in designing and implementing agricultural management practices to support CDFA's CSA incentive programs. Eligible organizations may request up to $60,000 for each Climate Smart Agriculture program supported - over three years to provide technical assistance to applicants and awardees of the CSA programs.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions about the Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Grant Program, please email CDFA.OEFI_CSA_TA@cdfa.ca.gov
CDFA conducted a grant solicitation for the Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Program in March 2021 to prepare for potential funding that might be allocated to the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) in the 2021 calendar year. The total allocation for this Technical Assistance grant solicitation is dependent on the funds allocated to the HSP and SWEEP through the state budget process. A minimum of 5% of the HSP and SWEEP funding will be made available for Technical Assistance.
Applications were due March 22, 2021 at 5 p.m. PT.
Awards will be announced when funding is available (expected in summer 2021).
- Request for Grant Proposals (PDF)
- Workplan and Budget Template for RCDs and Non-Profits
- Workplan and Budget Template for UC/CSU
- Climate Smart Ag Technical Assistance Program Webinar - March 1 and 4, 2021
- Frequently Asked Questions - Updated March 15, 2021
- Application Portal
- Summary of Applications Received (March 2021)
Email Subscriptions
Program Status
The Technical Assistance Grant Program is not accepting applications.
University of California Partnership
CDFA has partnered with the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources to offer Climate Smart Agriculture technical assistance. Individuals who are interested in learning more about climate-smart agriculture or need assistance with the CDFA incentive programs may contact their nearest Community Education Specialist.
Awarded TA Providers
CDFA has agreements with technical assistance providers (TAPs) around the state to provide one-on-one support to farmers and ranchers awarded through the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP), the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). Farmers and ranchers in need of implementation assistance associated with their current AMMP or HSP award may contact the TAPs indicated in the lists linked below:
- 2020 AMMP TAPs
- 2020 HSP TAPs