Healthy Soils Program (HSP)
Solicitation status: Currently closed
Next Solicitation Period: TBD: Currently Open for Public Comment January 20th- February 18th, 2026
The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) is a California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) grant program that supports farmers and ranchers in implementing soil management practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improve soil health.
CDFA supports farmers through a reimbursement-based grant that can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to program-specific maximum award amounts. Award amounts vary by project type and funding round, and many projects receive partial funding, so growers should be prepared to contribute matching funds if total costs exceed the award.
HSP supports on-farm projects that improve soil structure, water holding capacity, nutrient cycling, and long-term farm resilience.
In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 4, a $10 billion Climate Bond designed to safeguard communities and natural resources from climate change.
The Bond allocated CDFA:
- $40 million for State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)
- $65 million for practices that improve soil health or accelerate carbon removal or sequestration (HSP)
- $15 million for a new equipment sharing program.
What HSP Can Fund (Eligible Practices)
HSP funds the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices that increase soil organic matter and reduce GHG emissions. Eligible practices include, but are not limited to:
Cover cropping
Compost application
Reduced tillage or no-till
Mulching
Hedgerow planting
Windbreaks
Riparian buffers
Nutrient management improvements
Biochar
Prescribed grazing (for eligible operations)
*Practices must meet CDFA Technical requirements and be maintained for the required project term.
Funding Details
Maximum award: varies by HSP component and solicitation
Reimbursement-based: project costs are reimbursed after completion/verification
Matching funds: may be required depending on project scope award amount
Project : practices must be maintained for the full contract period
VERY IMPORTANT: How SWEEP Funding Works
HSP is a reimbursement program.
That means:
Growers generally pay project costs upfront
CDFA (or a Healthy Soils Block Grant Recipient) reimburses eligible, approved expenses after the project is completed and verified
In some cases, partial advance payments may be available (program/rule dependent), but you should plan as if reimbursement happens after completion.
SWEEP Block Grants (Block Grant Recipients – BGRs)
CDFA is fully adopting the Block Grant Recipient (BGR) model for future SWEEP funding rounds.
Under the SWEEP Block Grant approach, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) awards funding to trusted regional partners—known as Block Grant Recipients (BGRs)—who work directly with farmers and ranchers at the local level.
What Block Grant Recipients Do
Provide local technical assistance to farmers and ranchers
Run regional HSP application solicitations
Review and recommend projects for funding
Set up grant agreements with on-farm beneficiaries
Provide implementation support and reporting back to CDFA
These partners serve as a bridge between CDFA and growers, helping ensure projects are technically sound, realistic, and supported from application through completion.
Why CDFA Is Using the Block Grant Model
The Block Grant approach is intended to:
Bring resources closer to the farming community
Reduce administrative burden for growers
Provide hands-on, locally relevant support
Tailor HSP implementation to regional crops and irrigation systems
Block Grant Recipients serving Fresno County and surrounding areas will be listed here once announced by CDFA.
Growers will be encouraged to apply through their local BGR when available.
Successful HSP Projects:
Walnuts
Avocados
Olives
Vineyards
How to Apply
HSP is typically a web-based application process that allows applicants to save progress and return before submitting.
Solicitation status: Currently closed
Strongly recommended before the application window opens:
Obtain vendor quotes (if applicable)
Develop a clear field map and practice plan
Gather basic field history and management information
Growers are encouraged to use CDFA planning tools and work with technical assistance providers prior to applying.
Timing / Next Round Updates
CDFA OARS also indicates it plans to release a solicitation in 2026 for HSP and SWEEP Block Grants as part of climate bond implementation planning.
Stay Updated
Sign up for CDFA’s newsletter to get SWEEP announcements and deadline updates
Visit CDFA HSP page- Check this page frequently