Application solicitation for round 2 of the EKRCD Healthy Soils Program is now closed. Please stay tuned for updates on future resources and opportunities.
The Excelsior Kings River Resource Conservation District (EKRCD) was awarded $5 million from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) as part of their Healthy Soils Program (HSP).
This program is designed to assist growers in implementing soil health practices on farms and ranches and is part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmland and ranch lands.
EKRCD is one of 14 funded groups that will serve producers in portions of Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties. The program will run for three years, funding on-farm projects up to $200,000 per project over the grant’s lifetime and encourages growers to adopt and implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and improve soil health. A list of CDFA’s eligible practices can be found here. We will be offering direct funding and technical assistance from early 2025 to summer 2028.
Tentative Program Timeline
May 2024 – Round 1 Application period opens
Summer/Fall 2024 – Applications will be ranked and submitted to CDFA for final approval for funding
January 2025 – Approved projects can begin implementation
May 2025 – Round 2 Application period opens
Summer 2025 – Applications will be ranked and submitted to CDFA for final approval for funding
Fall 2025 – Approved projects can begin implementation
Summer 2028 – Funding ends. All projects must be completed
Technical Resources
Questions? Reach out!
info@ekrcd.org or (559) 309-4030
Second Round of Healthy Soils Program to open May 1, 2025
Second Round of Healthy Soils Program to open May 1, 2025 HANFORD, CA – February 21, 2025 – Excelsior-Kings River Resource Conservation District (EKRCD) is ready to open applications for Round 2 of the Healthy Soils Block Grant Program. The program is designed to help producers implement soil health practices on farms and ranches. It is part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s agricultural and ranch lands.
The first round opened in July 2024 and received 78 applications across Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties. Of the 78 applicants, 20 farm-based projects received $2.6 million in funding. Practices included compost application, cover crops, mulching and residue management, and tillage.
The EKRCD will host two applicant training events on March 4 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Kings County Farm Bureau office, 870 Greenfield Ave, Hanford, CA 93230. During these events, producers can ask questions and become familiar with the required application package. Applications can be submitted during a 60-day period beginning May 1 through June 30.