[California Department of Conservation](https://www.conservation.ca.gov)

May 22, 2017

No set minimum or maximum per award; covers up to 100% of easement value; grant term up to 2 years.

Funds permanent conservation easements to protect important agricultural lands in select California counties.

--- ## Description The Agricultural Land Mitigation Program (ALMP) provides grant funding to purchase permanent agricultural conservation easements on farmland in specific California counties: Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kern, Kings, Santa Clara, and Tulare. These easements are intended to protect farmland identified as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Farmland of Local Importance, and Unique Farmland, as mapped by the Department of Conservation's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. The program aims to ensure the long-term preservation of vital agricultural lands and supports partnerships between eligible applicants and landowners. --- ## Due Dates - May 22, 2017: Full application submission deadline (Round 2) *All dates are based on past cycles; check the [program page](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Pages/AgLandMitigationHSR4.aspx) for future funding rounds or updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - No minimum or maximum funding amount per grant. - Grants may cover up to 100% of the value of the agricultural conservation easement. - Associated eligible transaction costs (e.g., appraisal, title, escrow, legal fees) may be reimbursed, not to exceed 10% of the easement value. - Grant agreements have a maximum duration of two years for completion of the easement acquisition. - Matching funds are not required but may be included if available. --- ## Eligibility ### Eligible Applicants - Local governments (cities, counties, resource conservation districts, regional park or open-space districts/authorities with farmland conservation as a stated purpose). - Private nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status whose defined purposes include agricultural land conservation. - Applicants must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State if required. ### Eligible Land - Farmland located in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Santa Clara, or Tulare counties. - Must be classified as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Farmland of Local Importance, or Unique Farmland. - Land must be at risk of conversion to non-agricultural use and expected to remain viable for long-term commercial agricultural production. ### Additional Criteria - The proposal must have a resolution of support from the governing body of the county or city. - Easements must be voluntary, perpetual, and not restrict standard agricultural husbandry practices. - Clear title must be conveyed, and the total purchase price must not exceed appraised fair market value. - Acquisition must be completed within two years of the grant agreement. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Carefully review the [Request for Grant Applications](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Documents/Final%20HSR%20Documents/2017%20RFGA%20ALMP%20ROUND%20II.docx) and [program guidelines](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Documents/ALMP%20Guidelines%20(2019)%20Final.pdf). 2. **Prepare Application:** Complete all required components, including: - Application checklist and cover sheet - Executive summary - Budget - Easement acquisition summary - Detailed characteristics of the proposed easement - Documentation of public notice and local government resolution of support - Preliminary title report and assessor's parcel map(s) - Landowner letter of support - Conflict of interest certification - Easement monitoring plan 3. **Submit Application:** Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline. Contact [ALMP@conservation.ca.gov](mailto:ALMP@conservation.ca.gov) for submission instructions and to obtain a Box.com upload account. 4. **Evaluation:** Applications are screened for eligibility and scored based on selection criteria. Site visits and clarifications may be required. 5. **Award & Agreement:** Successful applicants enter into a grant agreement (up to 2 years) and proceed with easement acquisition, including appraisal, escrow, and title insurance. --- ## Additional Information - Stewardship funds must be included for long-term monitoring and management of the easement. - Easement holders must submit annual monitoring reports to the Department. - Publicity and disclosure requirements apply; landowner names and grant amounts become public after completion. - The program does not fund indirect overhead, ceremonial expenses, publicity, or real estate brokerage fees. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Agricultural Land Mitigation Program](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Pages/AgLandMitigationHSR4.aspx) - [Application Information & Forms](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Pages/Easement-Grant-Application-Information.aspx) - [Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp) - [Eligibility Criteria (DOCX)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Documents/Final%20HSR%20Documents/2017%20ALMP%20Eligibilty%20Criteria.docx) - [Selection Criteria (DOCX)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Documents/Final%20HSR%20Documents/2017%20ALMP%20Selection%20Criteria.docx) - [Sample Application (DOCX)](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/mitigation/Documents/Final%20HSR%20Documents/2017%20ALMP%20Application.docx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email/Phone | Notes | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | ALMP Program Team | [almp@conservation.ca.gov](mailto:almp@conservation.ca.gov) | General inquiries and application submission | | Main Phone | 916-324-0850 | | | Mailing Address | 801 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | Division of Land Resource Protection | | Department of Conservation | [Contact Form](https://www.conservation.ca.gov/about-us/contact-us/) | For general DOC inquiries |

Agricultural Land Mitigation Program

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