Healthy Soils Program
The Healthy Soils Program funds science-based agricultural practices in California that improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through regional block grants.
Funder: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: April 27, 2026 (last day to submit questions) | May 15, 2026 (Block Grant Concept Proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 per on-farm project (max $75,000 per eligible practice); Block Grant Recipients may receive multi-million dollar awards.
Summary: Supports sustainable agricultural practices in California that build soil carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve farm and ecosystem resilience.
Key Information: For 2026, only Block Grant Recipient applications are open—direct producer applications will open after awardees are selected.
Description
The Healthy Soils Program (HSP), administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), funds the adoption and demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the resilience of California’s farms and ecosystems. The program operates through a Block Grant model, where regional organizations (Block Grant Recipients) receive funding to administer local grant programs and provide technical assistance to producers. Practices supported include compost application, cover cropping, reduced tillage, hedgerow planting, windbreaks, and more. The program also offers outreach and research components to advance soil health across the state.
