The UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Water & Soil Program provides education, applied research, and technical assistance in agricultural water management to cultivated crop producers such as winegrape, orchard, and vegetable farmers in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, and Mendocino counties. The program is interested in practices that help farmers improve water efficiency, understand soil water interactions, and adapt to environmental extremes. Through this work, the program advances knowledge and delivers practical resources to support sustainable and productive farming.
The Water & Soil Program Initial Needs Assessment describes current challenges that will guide program development.
The Water & Soil Program is led by Helaine Berris. Helaine received a B.S. in Eco-Hydrology from the University of Nevada Reno, a M.S. in Hydrologic Sciences and a M.S. in International Agricultural Development from University of California Davis. For inquiries, please contact -
For more information on water quality, irrigation management, and groundwater policy and management click here -
Water Resources
For more information on soil sampling and testing, soil health, and soil mapping and other tools click here -
Soil Resources
Technical Assistance & Funding Opportunities
Resources for grants, cost-share programs, and technical support to help farmers improve water and soil management. These programs reduce financial barriers while supporting adoption of natural resources water and soil conservation and implementation of sustainable practices. Click on the links below for more information.
- Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
- Farmer Funding Opportunities Database
- California Underserved and Small Producer (CUSP) Program
- Grants for drought relief
- CA Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
- CA Department of Water Resources (DWR)
- Gold Ridge RCD
- Marin RCD
- Mendocino RCD
- Napa RCD
- Sonoma RCD
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Events
Check out the links below for upcoming events in the water and soil world!
Water Talk Podcast - Download all the episodes in Spotify, Apple, and Google podcasts