​Zero Foodprint's Restore CA Grant

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!
If you are interested in applying, please contact our Technical Assistance Provider Molly Taylor. TA is required for submittal of the application. You can email her at healthysoil@amadorrcd.org or call 650-863-3610. The full link to the application can be found here. 

Healthy Soils Incentives Program
​currently closed 

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 Fall 2022
Questions about Healthy Soils Funding
Contact Molly Taylor: 1-(209) 202-3102 or HealthySoil@AmadorRCD.org
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Photo: Spreading compost on rangeland in Amador County.
For more soil health information & resources check out the ARCD web page dedicated to the topic.

NRCS - EQIP Technical & FINANCIAL Assistance

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.
Click here to download a guide to the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. ​
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 Allison Tokunaga at allison.tokunaga@usda.gov