Healthy Soils Block Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has allocated $5 million of the Healthy Soils Block Grant Program to the California Citrus Quality Council (CCQC) in collaboration with California Farm Bureau (CAFB) and Xerces Society. Donor Name: California Bountiful Foundation State: California County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The California Farm Bureau through its 501(c)(3) science and research nonprofit, the California Bountiful Foundation, will oversee all administrative functions, and financial functions, of this project including reporting and on-farm project verifications. The Xerces Society will provide technical expertise in pollinating plants for hedgerows and other similar management practices. This grant program supports citrus growers in adopting conservation management practices that improve soil health and sequester carbon. Citrus growers will receive on demand assistance at no cost through the implementation and verification process of their on-farm projects. The program will fund 20-45 on-farm projects over three years, focusing on practices like planting pollinator hedgerows, cover crops, compost application, mulching, whole orchard recycling, and windbreak establishment.  Program’s Objectives Enhance climate change resilience in citrus sector. Aid citrus growers on environmental stewardship and fulfill sustainability demands from buyers and consumers. Advocate and provide financial incentives for conservation management practices that increase soils carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gases, improve soil retention, and bolster pollinator populations. Offer guidance to citrus growers on sustainable farming practices through pollinator hedgerows and other management practices. Allocate 25% of grant funds towards supporting veterans, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFRs), and women. SDFRS are those groups facing racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice regardless of individual qualities. This includes African American, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Funding Information Funding for each on-farm project may receive up to $200,000, depending on the project’s size and the number of practices implemented. Benefits of Participation Engaging in healthy soils practices can significantly benefit your farm: Enhance plant health and increase crop yields. Prevent soil erosion, and improve water quality and retention. Support carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse emissions. Foster biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Eligible Practices Compost Application Conservation Cover Cover Crop Filter Strip Hedgerow Planting Mulching Nutrient Management Residue and Tillage Management- No-Till Residue and Tillage Management- Reduced Till Whole Orchard Recycling CDFA Whole Orchard Recycling (WOR) Report Windbreak/ Shelterbelt Establishment. Target Areas Serving Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Tulare, San Diego, Placer, and Ventura counties. Eligibility Criteria Open to citrus growers in specified 11 counties. Special consideration for SDFRs, women, and veterans. For more information, visit CBF.