SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting grant applications from nonprofits, universities and California Resource Conservation Districts offering technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who are interested in applying to the state’s Healthy Soils Program, or HSP.

“If we are to meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals and improve the health of California’s soil, we must do everything we can to help our farmers and ranchers apply to our programs,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Leveraging our partnerships with the academic community, nonprofits and RCDs is key in getting more individuals to apply.”

Applicants may apply for funding up to $5,000 and must meet several requirements, including: one-on-one application assistance, technical assistance and Internet access for application submission.

Detailed information on funding, eligibility and program requirements can be found at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/IncentivesProgram.html.

Applications must be submitted by email no later than March 9, 5 p.m. PST. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap and Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.

California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more.

At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California.

For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.