COVID-19 Response Farmer Assistance
With the COVID-19 outbreak spreading and a statewide shelter-in-place order from the Governor, the Amador RCD wants to provide our growers and ranchers with information about assistance on the state and federal level. The California Association of Family Farmers (CAFF) is compiling tips, resources and guideline to help keep you safe, informed and in business during this crisis on their website. For more information check out the CAFF website on COVID-19.
Zero Foodprint's Restore CA Grant: Now Open!
Zero Foodprint is offering $25,000 grants to producers interested in implementing healthy soils practices on their property through the Restore CA Grant Program. Zero Foodprint is private funding available for farmers/ranchers to improve soil health and sequester carbon on working landscapes. The solicitation period is open until April 22, 2021. This grant funds many of the same practices as the CDFA Healthy Soils Incentive Program, a state funded program which will open again later this summer. You may apply to both programs as long as they are for different practices. Practices include:
- compost application
- cover cropping
- prescribed grazing
- hedgerow establishment
- and more!
Healthy Soils Incentives Program
currently closed-
next round anticipated Summer 2021
The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) funding is available to California farms and ranches for a variety of practices to build soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while providing economic benefit to the operations. Project awards are available to operations of all sizes: medium and small scale operations are encouraged to apply. The Healthy Soils Incentives Program (HSP) can award up to $100,000 to implement any of the 25 eligible soil health practices, such as: cover crops, compost application, hedgerows, mulching, no-till or reduced till, and prescribed grazing on pasture. If you are interested in applying check out the Healthy Soils Program website. The Amador RCD will be hosting workshops and providing technical assistance to applicants, sign up on the ARCD email list to stay updated. Amador RCD will be available to provide free one-on-one technical assistance through the application period.
It is anticipated that another round of funding will be available SUMMER 2021.
It is anticipated that another round of funding will be available SUMMER 2021.
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Questions about Healthy Soils Funding Contact Molly Taylor: 1-(209) 202-3102 or HealthySoil@AmadorRCD.org |
Photo: Spreading compost on rangeland in Amador County.
NRCS - EQIP Technical & FINANCIAL Assistance
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The Amandor RCD provides works with the the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement Farm Bill Programs, such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The two partners work closely together on a variety of tasks, such as: Outreach and Education, Workshop Facilitation, and Technical Support. The Amador RCD worked with NRCS to create a series of videos to show how these funds can help on all types of properties in Amador County.
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The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP was created to assist eligible farmers and ranchers to address conservation concerns affecting soil, water, air, and related natural resources. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers can apply for financial assistance, information, and training to implement eligible conservation practices on their farms.
If you’re interested in applying for EQIP funding visit the NRCS Office is Jackson; 12200 B Airport Road Jackson, CA 95642 or contact the District Conservationist Bobette Parson at Bobette.Parsons@ca.usda.gov