CDFA's 2024 Healthy Soils Program grant solicitation period has closed as of February 9th. Sign up for Solana Center's HSP interest list to be notified when the next grant cycle is open.
Get free assistance to apply for grant funding and implement carbon farming practices!
Solana Center is funded by CDFA to provide technical assistance to HSP program grant awardees, free of charge.
If approved for funding, we are here to guide you through implementing your farming practices over the three-year award period as well as preparing reporting documentation for your project. If rejected, we can help review your applications for improvements for the next HSP grant cycle.
Email HSP@solanacenter.org with inquiries about the program or book a free assistance call.
California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides financial assistance to California farmers, growers, and ranchers for implementation of one or more HSP agricultural management practices to improve soil health, including compost & mulch application, cover cropping, no-till methods, conservation planting, and more. (Learn about the top-funded practices here.)
The CDFA has allocated $50 million worth of HSP awards and applicants are able to receive up to $100,000 in funds for their three-year project. As of February 9th, 2024, the grant solicitation period has closed. CDFA anticipates notifying farmers in the coming months whether or not their application has been selected for award.
Important Links for Applicants
- Request for Grant Applications (provides a written description of the program, eligibility, application process, and expectations)
- Application Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
HSP Technical Assistance
Solana Center offers the following assistance once CDFA has notified applicants of their status:
- Implementation assistance of awarded practices
- Reporting and documentation assistance
- Geotagging photos
- Communication with CDFA on behalf of farmers
- If not awarded, feedback on application to best prepare for grant cycle
HSP Resources
The four most commonly awarded healthy soil farming practices are compost, mulch, implementing native species hedgerows, and cover crops.
Informational Webinars for Applicants and Awardees
Solana Center presented a 3-part webinar series on compost production, use, and benefits geared toward HSP applicants and awardees. Knowledgeable speakers included Solana Center staff (Webinar 1), Dr. Craig Kolodge of San Pasqual Valley Soils (Webinar 2), and Josh Robinson of Ecology Artisans and the San Diego Sustainable Living Institute (Webinar 3).
Please enjoy the webinar recordings and associated resource lists below. Made possible through generous funding from CDFA and CA Climate Investments.
Producing Compost On-Site with the Healthy Soils Program
- Webinar Recording (aired 2/16/2022)
- Resources & links from Webinar
Compost: A Misunderstood & Under-Utilized Natural Resource for Creating Healthy Soil, Food, Water & Air Quality
- Webinar Recording (aired 3/2/2022)
- Resources & links from Webinar
Integrating Compost, Plants, & Water Catchment for Sustainable Farmscaping
- Webinar Recording (aired 3/16/2022)
- Resources & links from Webinar
Aerated Static Pile Composting
- Webinar Recording (aired 3/21/23)
- Resources & links from Webinar
2024 Healthy Soils Program Grant Basics Informational Webinar
- Webinar Recording (aired 1/16/24)
Healthy Soils Program is funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities.
