Climate Smart Ag Specialist
The Climate Smart Ag Specialist serves as a technical service provider for CDFA Climate Smart Agriculture grant programs in Sonoma, Marin, and Mendocino Counties.
Amanda Charles is a Sonoma County resident specializing in the application, implementation, and verification processes of these 3 programs. She is readily available to assist with project needs and guide local farmers and ranchers throughout their grant term.
For more information, contact Amanda Charles at aacharles@ucanr.edu.
CDFA Climate Smart Ag Grant Programs
 | Funding for non-digester related manure management practices that will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Projects can be funded up to $750,000 and could consist of pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure. |
 | The HSP Incentives Program provides funding for practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These projects can be awarded up to $100,000 for farmers and ranchers and can include; compost application, range planting, and hedgerow planting. The HSP Demonstration Projects showcase California farmers and rancher's implementation of HSP practices. These projects can be awarded up to $250,000. |
 | Funding to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible projects could include; pump replacements and retrofits, soil moisture sensors, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, variable frequency drives, and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy. These projects can be funded up to $200,000. |