Funding Available for Innovations in the Orchard — And Beyond
Applications are now available for two incentive cost-share funding opportunities for almond growers and processors looking to bring innovation to their operation.
CDFA: Healthy Soils Program
Overseen by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides almonds growers with funds to invest in soil health and responsible ecosystem practices. Eligible almond grower practices include: intentionally planted cover crop, mulching, whole-orchard recycling, compost applications, buffer strips, hedgerow planting and riparian forest buffer. 
The HSP Incentives Program — Second Solicitation provides financial assistance for implementation of soil health practices that sequester soil carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. Last year, almond growers received funding to invest in planting cover crops and hedgerows, and applying compost to the orchard floor.
Another component of the Healthy Soils Program is seeking additional demonstration projects of healthy soil practices. Here the focus is on conducting research in the orchards of growers who are willing to collaborate with researchers, and demonstrate to other growers what is/is not working with a particular practice.
For more on program requirements and the application process for both HSP efforts, join CDFA’s informational webinars:
- Monday, March 19
- 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. — HSP Incentives Program
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm — HSP Demonstration Projects
- Wednesday, March 21
- 9:00 – 10:30 am — HSP Incentives Program
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm — HSP Demonstration Projects
The deadline for applications is April 4, 2018. Visit CDFA’s HSP website to register and for more information.
USDA-NRCS: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Popular among growers, EQIP is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This voluntary conservation program helps eligible growers plan and implement conservation practices that address a wide range of natural resource concerns and provides opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forestland. In past years, growers have used a variety of cost-share programs through EQIP for irrigation, nutrient management, reduced dust harvester usage, cover crop and pest management projects.
To be considered for EQIP funding, and in addition to meeting program eligibility requirements, growers must follow a two-step process:
- Develop a conservation plan with NRCS staff. Staff are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Submit a completed Conservation Program Application, Form NRCS-CPA-1200, to the NRCS field office in the county in which they own land. This form may be delivered in person, by phone, email or fax.
The simplest way to begin the EQIP funding application process is to visit the local USDA Service Center and discuss next steps with an NRCS staff member.
As EQIP applications are accepted on a year-round basis, growers may have more than one window of opportunity to receive funding for their project based on available funding each fiscal year. The next round of reviews will be in June.
Visit the NRCS California website for more information.