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.
Growers with questions or needing additional information can contact Dusty Ference at (559) 309-4030 or [email protected].