California Ag Network

Tag: Grants

  • CDFA Announces EXTENSION of Grant Application Deadline for the 2017 Alternative Manure Management Program

    Modesto, Calif., (October 4, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has extended the grant application deadline for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP), from October 2, 2017 to October 16, 2017 at 5 P.M. PDT.

    The AMMP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The program will provide between nine and 16 million dollars in grants to California dairy and livestock operators to implement non-digester manure management practices that reduce their methane emissions.

    For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA AMMP website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/. To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Monday, October 16, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. PDT.

    Due to the very short timeline for submitting applications to this new grant program, Western United Dairymen worked with Dairy Cares to request this extension of the deadline. The concerns of our members were at the forefront and were heard. If you have questions regarding this grant program, call Paul Sousa at the WUD office.

    NOTE – THE AMMP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment-particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments.

  • CDFA Announces Extension Of Grant Application Deadline For The 2017 Alternative Manure Management Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 28, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has extended the grant application deadline for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP), from October 2, 2017 to October 16, 2017 at 5 P.M. PDT.

    The AMMP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The program will provide between nine and 16 million dollars in grants to California dairy and livestock operators to implement non-digester manure management practices that reduce their methane emissions.

    For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA AMMP website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/. To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Monday, October 16, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. PDT.

    NOTE – THE AMMP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment-particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments.

    Contact:

    Steve Lyle

    Director of Public Affairs

    California Department of Food and Agriculture

    916-654-0462

  • CDFA Announces Funding For The 2017 “CALAGPLATE” Grant Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 20, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is currently accepting proposals for the 2017 California Agriculture Special Interest License Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program. This program makes available an estimated $260,000 in grant funding to promote agricultural education and leadership activities for students at the K-12, post-secondary, and adult education levels. Proceeds generated through the sales of specialized, agriculture-themed license plates through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have made this opportunity available.

    “Investments in agricultural education benefit all consumers by raising awareness on food and fiber production in our state as well as the stewardship practices of California’s farmers and ranchers in bringing these products to the marketplace,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

    A purchase of a CalAgPlate helps to fund educational opportunities statewide which include agricultural workshops, farm tours and the State FFA Leadership Conference. The CalAgPlate program has funded more than $734,629 in youth educational activities since the program’s inception.

    Funding is available on a competitive basis for state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs (Education Code Section 52450-52454), government agencies, and non-profit organizations that administer agricultural education programs. The application deadline is October 20, 2017.

    For further information and grant application materials, please visit: www.cdfa.ca.gov/calagplate

    You can help support agricultural education and the CalAgPlate program by purchasing a special interest license plate at your local DMV office or online today.

  • 11 Water, Ag, And Energy Start-Ups Selected To Receive Valley Ventures Support

    Fresno, Calif., (September 20, 2017) – The Valley Ventures Accelerator at Fresno State announced its fall cohort of start-up companies that will receive venture capital direction and support in the water, agriculture and energy technology industries.

    The three-month program will provide professional guidance on growing sales, company value and profitability for 11 emerging companies from primarily California, as well as Brazil, Chile and Malaysia.

    “The fall cohort will represent a diverse range of technology and entrepreneurial talent in the water, energy and agriculture industry and represents a collective revenue of $2 million annually and $3.5 million in equity funding,” said program coordinator Benjamin Francis. “We believe each company that has been selected exemplifies extraordinary potential to scale and accomplish great things in the Central Valley.”

    The companies are:

    • AQUAOSO— water rights management buyer and seller trading platform
    • Avsonic — automated cattle soaker system
    • BovControl— analytics platform for cattle operations
    • Deep Root Irrigation— irrigation products for landscape and agricultural usage
    • Drought Diet Products — sub-irrigation zone pipe for greywater and rainwater catch and release
    • DSPii— soil moisture sensing through aerial application
    • ECO2Mix— carbon dioxide-based water pH control system for irrigation units
    • Fluid Pulse— wireless irrigation valve controls for use on existing water pipelines
    • GroGuru— precision soil moisture, salinity and temperature monitoring system
    • Nanomass — unit converting biomass into powdered fuel to be used in coal plants
    • REDtrac— online agricultural well, water and soil efficiency monitoring system

    Companies accepted into the program demonstrated the potential to have an economic impact in the region and the ability to improve the efficient use of scarce resources. Other evaluation criteria included company scalability, potential return, environmental impact, fundability, commercial value, personnel skills and leadership.

    Participants will take part in exercises and learning modules led by Central Valley professionals, investors, industry and technical experts, successful entrepreneurs and target consumers.

    The program also offers companies access to Fresno State research staff and facilities, as well as product testing through the Water, Energy and Technology (WET) Center, Center for Irrigation Technology and 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory.

    The three-year accelerator program is coordinated by the International Center for Water Technology at Fresno State. Program funding was made possible by a $500,000 federal grant through the Regional Innovation Strategies i6 Challenge and Seed Fund Support Grants competition and the BlueTechValley innovation cluster funded by the California Energy Commission.

     

  • Technical Review Committee Members Wanted For 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 15, 2017) – California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise regarding California’s specialty crop industry to serve as reviewers on the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Technical Review Committee. This committee reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding to California’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

    The program is a competitive solicitation process designed to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $300,000 per project and projects may last for up to two years and six months.

    The Technical Review Committee includes representatives from government and non-government organizations. Technical Review Committee members will attend one webinar and one in-person meeting between November 2017 and March 2018 to make recommendations on concept and grant proposals.

    All individuals interested in serving on the Technical Review Committee must submit a completed application form and a copy of their résumé to grants@cdfa.ca.gov before 5 PM on October 12, 2017. Please reference page two of the application form for requirements and restrictions.

    Within the applicant form, applicants must identify at least one of the following grant funding categories related to their area of expertise:

    • Specialty Crop Access and Nutrition Education
    • Equipping Current and Next Generation Specialty Crop Farmers
    • Environmental Stewardship and Conservation
    • Plant Health and Pest Management

    For a description of each funding category and more details about the program, please reference the 2018 Request for Concept Proposals. The application form and the 2018 Request for Concept Proposals can be found on the program’s website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants. Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at (916) 657-3231 or grants@cdfa.ca.gov for additional information.

  • California Department Of Food And Agriculture Now Accepting Proposals For 2018 Specialty Crop Grants

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 14, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

    Each year, CDFA conducts a two-phase competitive solicitation process to award funds to projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Review the 2018 Request for Concept Proposals for detailed application instructions.

    Phase I of the process begins with the submission of concept proposals, which undergo both an administrative review and a technical review. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a detailed grant proposal in Phase II of the process.

    Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $300,000 per project and projects may last for up to two years and six months. Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, federal, and tribal government entities; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply. All applicants must register online with the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST), https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov to apply. Concept proposals must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday, October 13, 2017 at 5 PM PST.

    CDFA will conduct four workshops and two webinars, all featuring an overview of the program, a review of the concept proposal questions, a live demonstration of the online application system, and helpful grant writing tips. Visit the program’s website, www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants, for full details.

    Workshops and webinars will be held at these locations on the following dates:

    • Fresno County: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Monterey County: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Webinar #1: Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    • Riverside County: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Webinar #2: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Sacramento County: Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    All prospective grant applicants are encouraged to participate. There is no cost to attend; however, space is limited and CDFA requests that attendees register in advance. To register, email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with your name and contact information, the workshop/webinar you would like to attend, and the number of seats required. Further details will be provided with confirmation of registration.

    Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at (916) 657-3231 or grants@cdfa.ca.gov for additional information.

  • CDFA Reopens Application Submission Period For Grants To Provide Technical Assistance For The Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP)

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 28, 2017) – CDFA has reopened the acceptance period for technical assistance providers to submit applications for financial grants that can be used to provide technical assistance to dairy and livestock operators applying for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). CDFA is seeking applications from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions, and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds to provide technical assistance to applicants for grants until 5:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, August 25.

    Applicants may apply for funding between $5,000 and $10,000. Applications must meet several minimum requirements, including holding at least one technical assistance workshop, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to
    allow dairy and livestock operators to complete AMMP applications.

    Technical assistance will be made available through a partnership between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to AMMP applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of AMMP and the reduction of methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations.

    Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Technical Assistance: Request for Applications” at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ammp/. The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov no later than August 25, 2017, 5:00 p.m. PDT. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

    NOTE – AMMP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments. This effort is in partnership with the Strategic Growth Council which provides technical and community outreach assistance funds from the California Climate Investments.

  • CDFA Accepting Applications For Grants To Provide Workshops And Technical Assistance For Farmers Participating In The Cap-And-Trade-Funded Healthy Soils Incentives Program

    Sacramento, Calif., (July 11, 2017) – CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions, and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds to provide technical assistance to applicants for grants from the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program, funded by California’s cap-and-trade program.

    HSP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.

    The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. This effort is in partnership with the Strategic Growth Council which provides technical and community outreach assistance funds from the California Climate Investments.

    Applicants may apply for funding between $2,500 and $5,000. Applications must meet several minimum requirements including holding at least one technical assistance workshop within a disadvantaged community, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to allow growers to complete HSP Incentives Program applications.

    Technical assistance will be made available through a $25,000 partnership grant between CDFA and the Strategic Growth Council to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to HSP Incentives Program applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of HSP Incentives Program and the implementation of conservation management practices to sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health.

    Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Technical Assistance: Request for Applications” at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/. The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email no later than July 20, 2017, 5:00 p.m. PST. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

    For more information on how cap-and-trade auction proceeds are improving California, visit California Climate Investments.

  • Ag Equipment Replacement Monies Available

    Tulare, Calif., (June 27, 2017) – Buying agriculture equipment is not cheap, and we know that most farms will hold on to equipment for a very long time to make their investment last as long as possible.  However, the SJVAPCD does have incentive funds available to grant farmers to help them replace out old engines, and tractors, and trucks with cleaner technologies.  If you have considered replacing an old tractor, or truck, or a stationary ag pump, please read more below.

    Kern County Growers are encouraged to apply, the programs in Kern County are under-subscribed.

    Tractor Replacement:

    • Tractor must operate annually 75% within CA and 50% within SJVAPCD. Old tractor must currently be in-use & in operational condition.
    • Old tractor must have a horsepower rating of 25 or greater and be an uncontrolled (tier 0) engine, tier 1 or tier 2.
    • New tractor must have a current model year emissions engine (tier 4) and serve the same function and perform the same work equivalent as the old tractor.

    Truck Vouchers:

    • Funding available for replacement of medium and heavy-duty trucks, up to $ 50,000 for a replacement.
    • Must be in Compliance with ARB’s Truck and Bus Regulation
    • Owned and operated the truck for the past
    • 24 months
    • Operate the truck annually 75% within CA and
    • 50% within SJVAPCD boundaries.

    Stationary Ag Equipment Pumps:

    • Funding is available for the following categories:
      • Diesel tier 2 going to tier
      • Diesel tier 2, or 3 going to
    • Funding amounts are based on a dollar per horsepower of the new engine motor, not to exceed 85% of the eligible costs.
    • Converting diesel engines to electric eliminates permitting and registration requirements.
    • Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

    For more info, contact: SJVAPCD at www.valleyair.org, Todd DeYoung Incentive Program Manager (559) 230-5816

    Aaron Tarango, Incentive Program Supervisor, (559) 230-5873

     

  • 7 UC Davis Students, Grads Awarded Fulbright Grants

    Davis, Calif., (May 30, 2017) – Seven UC Davis students and alumni are headed to three continents as cultural ambassadors. Three have won prestigious grants, awarded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to promote educational and cultural exchange, and will conduct research in Ukraine, Indonesia and India; four others have been awarded the grants to teach English in Malta, Colombia, Malaysia and Germany.

    They are:

    • Jennifer Hoover of Davis, California
    • Gillian Irwin of Davis, California
    • Nina Fontana of Davis, California
    • Ana Skomal of Bonita, California
    • Joshua Paull of Walnut Creek, California
    • Amanda Eke of Sacramento, California
    • April Kersh of Seattle, Washington

    The program of the U.S. Department of State awards about 1,900 grants annually to fund airfare, room and board, health insurance and incidental expenses for one academic year of international graduate study, advanced research and teaching in 140 countries. Students and young professionals are selected on the basis of their academic and professional achievement, record of service and leadership.

    Jennifer Hoover, India: Jennifer Hoover is back at the UC Davis Craft Center where she fell in love with textile arts. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

    Hoover, who earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UC Davis in 2000 and soon began work as a teacher, later took classes for personal interest at the Craft Center on campus. Those classes in the textile arts would lead her to enroll in UC Davis graduate studies, do research at sheep-shearing stations in California, earn a master’s degree in textiles in 2016, and make three visits to India. Now Hoover is headed to the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh in India. She will examine wool production practices from shearing through weaving to help bridge the gap between shepherds who discard wool or sell it for export and craftspeople who buy synthetic yarns and import wool.

    Gillian Irwin, Indonesia: Doctoral student Gillian Irwin practices as part of the UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble, which performs music from Indonesia. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

    Irwin, who has already studied in Indonesia and taught English there with a Fulbright grant, has received two new Fulbright awards to spend 12 months in Indonesia. Through the Critical Language Enhancement Award, the doctoral student of ethnomusicology will study to improve her already advanced skills in the Indonesian language. Then she will research how the government’s 2013 standardized curriculum, which seeks to develop moral character, has affected music programs in middle and high schools. She will research Indonesian documents in the national archive, conduct interviews and observe music classes. After completing her doctoral degree, Irwin plans to pursue her research through a fellowship and later be a university professor.

    Nina Fontana, Ukraine: Doctoral student Nina Fontana will return to her roots to do research in the mountains of Ukraine. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

    Fontana, a doctoral student of ecology, will live among the Hutsul people of Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains to explore their traditional ecological knowledge for managing and using nontimber forest products including wild edible plants and mushrooms. Of Ukrainian heritage, she said the region is considered the Amazon of Europe, and its flora species provide key indicators of ecosystem health in response to climate change. Fontana’s aim is to create a database that captures the relationship between the highlanders’ gathering practices and plant productivity to inform land stewardship policy and conservation.

    Amanda Eke, Malta: UC Davis student Amanda Eke, a musician who manages artists and produces music, hangs out in a downtown Davis record store. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

    Eke, who expects to graduate in June with a bachelor’s degree in gender, sexuality and women’s studies, will teach English at the University of Malta. A musician who plays six instruments, manages artists and produces music, she plans to incorporate into her lessons hip hop as well as the Maltese music tradition of Ghana, a rhyming, conversational form of ballad or argument. She has presented her research on the artistry of black female musicians and their roles as political activists at Harvard and Purdue universities. She also tutors at the Juvenile Detention Facility and the Yolo County Jail, both in Woodland, California. Eke plans to pursue a doctorate in cultural studies and then, as a university professor, develop courses that enhance cultural knowledge and understanding through different concepts of identity.

    Ana Skomal, Malaysia: Ana Skomal, here leading a class at UC Davis, hopes to share her love for yoga in Malaysia. (Tim McConville/UC Davis)

    Skomal, who will complete her undergraduate studies in food science and technology this fall, will teach English to schoolchildren in rural Malaysia. Fluent in Spanish and English, she plans to hold yoga classes as part of a women’s health club she will start in her community there. Skomal has done a health internship in India and studied abroad in China. She has been active with the student organization Chicanos in Health Education, served as both a medical volunteer and translator at the Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic in Sacramento and founded the Yoga Club at UC Davis. She plans on attending medical school to become a family or primary care physician.

    Joshua Paull, Colombia: Joshua Paull, fluent in English and Spanish, is bound for Colombia. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

    Paull will teach English in Colombia as he pursues an early career teaching English as a second language in Latin America and eventually to children of American military personnel stationed abroad. A graduating senior with majors in history and international relations, he is fluent in English and Spanish. Paull has studied abroad in Cuba, volunteered with an environmental organization in Guatemala and tutored immigrants through the Solano County Library. Included in his luggage will be his saxophone so he can get involved in cumbia and salsa bands.

    April Kersh, Germany: Kersh, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 2016, will teach English in Germany.

    Language and linguistic studies: UC Davis offers undergraduate majors and minors in seven languages and graduate programs in Spanish, French and German. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in linguistics.