CDFA Now Accepting Grant Applications For Climate Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technical Assistance Program funding. This grant solicitation is being conducted to ensure there are Technical Assistance Providers available to provide outreach to farmers and ranchers about the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP).

Funds awarded through this competitive grant process will be distributed to several eligible entities and throughout the state to assist farmers and ranchers in applying to AMMP and provide continued assistance during project implementation. Eligible grant entities include Resource Conservation Districts, University of California Cooperative Extension, and non-profit organizations with demonstrated technical expertise.

“Technical assistance to our dairy and livestock families is critical to achieve California’s methane reduction goals,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Technical Assistance Providers offer direct assistance to farmers and ranchers submitting applications, and then they help our producers implement the projects that result in reducing a potent, short-lived climate pollutant that contributes significantly to climate change.”

Eligible organizations may request up to $120,000 to help applicants and awardees for two rounds of AMMP, 2021 and 2022. AMMP, along with the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, received $32 million in the 2021-22 budget; and will receive $48 million in fiscal year 2022-23. A minimum of five percent of AMMP allocated funding is made available for the Technical Assistance Program.

A description of the Technical Assistance Program and links to the application materials can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/technical/index.html.

Applications are due on Monday, November 24, 5 p.m. PT. Late applications will not be accepted.

CDFA will hold one online webinar-based workshop to provide information on the requirements and the application process for this solicitation:

November 10, 2021: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. PT
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CwV3y1RXSh-yf7_LTnliyw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.