2025 WMA Grant Program (WMAGP)

The 2025 Weed Management Area Grant Program (WMAGP), administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), aims to support the establishment, development, and maintenance of Weed Management Areas (WMAs) in California. The program focuses on implementing integrated weed management plans to control and map noxious and invasive weed populations. This grant is noncompetitive, meaning all eligible WMAs that submit a complete application will receive funding. A total of $6 million has been allocated for the program under the Food and Agriculture Code 7271. Each WMA may submit one grant proposal, with funding amounts ranging from a minimum of $40,000 to a maximum of $120,000, distributed over a three-year period at a rate of $40,000 per year. The project term runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, with annual reviews to ensure compliance and effectiveness. CDFA reserves the right to adjust awarded amounts based on funding availability and project scope. Eligible applicants must be established WMAs operating within California. A WMA is defined as a local organization comprising landowners, land managers (private, city, county, state, and federal), special districts, and the public, working collaboratively to address weed control challenges. Each WMA must function under a mutually developed memorandum of understanding (MOU) and can be governed by a chairperson, steering committee, County Agricultural Office, or Resource Conservation District. Project activities must align with controlling and mapping noxious and invasive weed species as defined in the Food and Agricultural Code. Grant recipients must submit reports detailing their progress, including mid-year and final reports with measurable results, supported by photographs. The use of funds is restricted, with no more than 10% allocated for administrative, travel, or coordination expenses. While cost-sharing is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged, and all matching contributions must be documented. Grant funds may not be used for purchasing land, covering environmental review costs, or engaging in pre-commercial technology development. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to CDFA by February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PDT. Required application components include a project narrative detailing the proposed weed control strategies, targeted species, and locations, along with a budget template outlining personnel, operating costs, and matching funds (if applicable). CDFA will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and technical merit before announcing award decisions on June 15, 2025. Disqualified applicants may appeal within 10 days of notification. The program requires compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Grant recipients must demonstrate environmental compliance within three months of the grant agreement's execution. Additionally, a signed MOU must be submitted within six months. Final project reports, due by July 31, 2028, should document project outcomes, including before-and-after photos. The last invoice submission deadline is September 30, 2028. For inquiries, applicants may contact the CDFA Integrated Pest Control Branch at (916) 262-1102 or via email at CDFA.PHPPS_IPCB_Invoices@cdfa.ca.gov.