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.