The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) is a California-based initiative administered by the Department of Conservation in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency and the Strategic Growth Council. It aims to support agricultural land conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the conversion of croplands, rangelands, and culturally significant lands into more emissions-intensive urban development. This effort is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that allocates cap-and-trade proceeds to initiatives that enhance the environment and public health, especially in disadvantaged communities.
SALC offers three distinct grant types: Agricultural Conservation Acquisition Grants, Capacity and Project Development Grants, and Agricultural Land Use Planning Grants. Acquisition grants focus on protecting agricultural lands through permanent easements or fee title purchases. Capacity grants support organizations developing future conservation acquisition projects, while Planning grants fund the creation of regional or local land-use policies and economic development strategies aimed at preserving agricultural lands. Each grant type targets GHG emission reductions and emphasizes co-benefits like ecosystem protection, water resource health, and food security.
Funding is drawn from California Climate Investments (CCI), derived from quarterly cap-and-trade auctions managed by the California Air Resources Board. Acquisition grants may cover up to 90% of the easement value or 100% of the fair market value for tribal applicants. Planning grants are capped at $500,000, and Capacity grants range from $100,000 to $250,000. Matching funds of at least 10% are generally required, though tribal entities or priority population-serving organizations may qualify for full funding and advanced payments.
For Round 11, the SALC program operates in two cycles. In Cycle A, Phase 1 acquisition pre-proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, with Phase 2 pre-proposals due December 1, 2025. Full applications for both planning and acquisition are due January 15, 2026, with awards announced in April 2026. Cycle B follows the same phased structure, with Phase 2 pre-proposals due May 14, 2026, and full applications due June 17, 2026. Awards will be made in October 2026. All applicants must first submit a pre-proposal and receive departmental feedback before proceeding to a full application.
Eligibility extends to California cities, counties, nonprofits with conservation missions, resource conservation districts, open-space districts, and both Federally and non-Federally recognized tribes listed with the Native American Heritage Commission. Proposals are evaluated based on readiness, alignment with program goals, contribution to equity, and potential for GHG emission reduction. The SALC team also provides technical assistance, and additional support is available from Helianth Partners, the program’s contracted technical assistance provider.
Program documents, application materials, and announcements—including the Notice of Funding Availability—are available on the official SALC program webpage. Applicants may contact Shanna Atherton-Bauer, SALC Program Manager, at salcp@conservation.ca.gov or call (916) 324-0850 with questions or for technical assistance. Updates are available via email by signing up through the SALC website.
Tribal and priority population projects prioritized; complete pre-proposals required; planning alignment and GHG reduction essential
