Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for operations interested in waste & manure management.

Interested Applicants must submit a complete application packet to the District via the mail, email, fax, or web portal options below:
Mail: 1990 East Gettysburg Avenue Fresno, CA 93726-0244 
Fax: (559) 230-6112 
Email: grants@valleyair.org 
Web Portal: http://valleyair.org/grants/alt-ag-burning.htm
A complete application includes: 
- Completed and signed Application (below)
- IRS Form W-9
- Confirmation of crop/acreage and location of orchard/vineyard removal site
    - i.e. site map, google map, assessor’s map
- Dated and itemized quote from service provider(s) for the planned activities
    - The quote must provide an itemized breakdown, including specific information and associated costs with pruning/wire/support removal (vineyards), pushing/piling, chipping/shredding, spreading, soil incorporation (ripping/discing), hauling (beneficial re-use), move-in fees, and any additional costs.
- Documentation of estimated costs by participating grower, if additional costs are beyond those on the quote(s) for contracted services. 

The Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program provides incentives to chip or shred agricultural material from orchard/vineyard removals as an alternative to the open burning of the agricultural materials. In addition, the Program provides incentives for the purchase of new agricultural wood-chipping equipment to chip orchard and vineyard removals located&#x2004;within the San Joaquin Valley.

The orchard/vineyard removal option provides incentives to commercial agricultural operations located within Valley Air District boundaries to chip or shred agricultural material from orchard/vineyard removals. The material must be used for soil incorporation or land application on grower property or off-site on other agricultural land. Chipped material may also be for other off-site beneficial re-use as an alternative to the open burning of the agricultural materials.



The Ag Burn Alternatives Grant Program provides incentives to chip or shred agricultural material from orchard/vineyard removals as an alternative to the open burning of the agricultural materials. In addition, the Program provides incentives for the purchase of new agricultural wood-chipping equipment to chip orchard and vineyard removals located within the San Joaquin Valley.
The orchard/vineyard removal option provides incentives to commercial agricultural operations located within Valley Air District boundaries to chip or shred agricultural material from orchard/vineyard removals. The material must be used for soil incorporation or land application on grower property or off-site on other agricultural land. Chipped material may also be for other off-site beneficial re-use as an alternative to the open burning of the agricultural materials.

- Eligible crop types include orchard and vineyard removals
- Only commercial agricultural operations are eligible to apply
- The agricultural material must be for soil incorporation or land application on grower property or District approved off-site beneficial re-use
- Grower must certify the continued agricultural use of property from which the orchards was removed
- Grower must be located within the San Joa

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Tree Nuts

Nut Trees

Fruit Trees

Wine

Almonds

Avocados

Carob

Cashew

Chestnuts

Coffee

Hazelnuts

Jojoba

Macadamia Nuts

Noni

Olives

Pecans

Persimmons

Pine Nuts

Pistachios

Quinces

Walnuts

Specialty Crops

Nursery Trees

Grapes

Nursery Crops

Fruits

Waste & Manure Management

Conservation

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

Incentive is provided in a range of $300 - $1,300 per acre depending on the type of orchard and planned use of the resulting material.
Additional incentive of $400/acre is provided for each incentive category to agricultural operations with less than 100 total acres within the San Joaquin Valley

FY2024 Grant Applications are open now. Applications must be received by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets by November 11, 2023.
(NEW! This deadline was extended to November 11 to give you more time to apply).
Please ensure that your grant application includes the following REQUIRED components:
- Complete CEAP Application
- Complete Questionnaire 
- 1-2 reputable quote/s for the requested equipment. Note that shipping or freight costs may be listed on your quote but are not eligible for financial assistance.
- Letter(s) of Support are optional and, if submitted, should be unbiased and add pertinent information about your application and its relevance to program goals.

Before you start your online application, be prepared to upload 1-2 quotes and a complete questionnaire.
Paper/PDF applications may be submitted by email to AGR.WaterQuality@vermont.gov or mailed to VAAFM CEAP Program, 116 State St Montpelier VT 05620. Please include ALL application components in the same email/envelope.

Questions about applying?
- Please review the Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out with additional questions via email to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov
- All grant applicants should review and be prepared to agree to the State of Vermont Attachment C: Standard Provisions for Contracts and Grants.
- Eligibility requirements include that farms are in good standing with the State of Vermont. Good standing for Water Quality Technical and Financial Assistance is defined in 6 V.S.A. § 4802
- Assistance is available for the application process. Please contact your local conservation district or reach out to 802-522-4655 if you are in need of assistance.

Resources for CEAP Grant Recipients:
CEAP grant agreements have an agreement length of 5 years, during which period you are expected to maintain and continue using the equipment as described in your initial application. AAFM program staff will visit your farm 1-2 times during this period to check on your equipment.
CEAP recipients are further required to report equipment usage for the first three (3) years of the grant.
This reporting requirement exists so we can document the phosphorus reductions farmers are achieving with the purchased equipment and to demonstrate how CEAP is working to get conservation on the ground. In addition, CEAP is a competitive grant program and a major aspect of the ranking and review of your applications is the scale of conservation that you committed to your application. Since recipients were selected to receive funds in part of based on the expected conservation value of your equipment being used on the acres you committed to, the program requires recipients to meet those commitments for each year of reporting. 
Annual Usage Reports cover a Calendar Year and must be submitted annually by January 15th to the Contact listed below, accompanied by all relevant corresponding maps. If an explanation or justification is needed, please submit that in written form alongside your report and maps.

Financial assistance is available for new or used innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters, improve water quality of state waters, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, mitigate greenhouse gases, and reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure.



- Vermont Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices
- Custom Operators
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Phosphorus Extraction Equipment Providers
Eligible Equipment Categories:
- Precision Agriculture – to accurately and digitally observe, monitor and respond to field variability and improve nutrient management planning.
- Conservation Tillage – to reduce the frequency or intensity of tillage operations.
- Cover Crop Equipment – to increase or improve cover cropping implementation.
- Waste Management – to improve waste and nutrient management, nutrient application efficiency and methods.
- Feed Management – to reduce impacts from silage leachate and reduce feed imports.
Eligible equipment and corresponding funding caps or cost share rates can change based on funding availability and other factors, please refer to the most current Program Details for more information on eligible equipment.

Ineligible Equipment: The following types of equipment are not eligible* to receive CEAP funds:
- Frac Tanks, Manure Tankers or Manure Pumps
- Solid Manure Spreaders or Broadcast Manure Spreaders
- Tractors
- Equipment that performs full width tillage, deep tillage, or soil inversion
*Exceptions may be considered for nonprofit organizations performing agricultural research, with compelling justification.

- CEAP Annual Usage Report (Printable)
- CEAP Annual Usage Report (Excel)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Printable)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Excel)

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Water Management

Individuals and businesses must complete Form W-9 prior to applying for cost-assistance. Complete this form ONLY if you are applying for cost assistance for the first time or updating your contact information (e.g. address, phone number, direct deposit/ACH, etc.).

To apply for cost assistance, complete and submit the Relocation Claim for Payment form to the Delaware Nutrient Management Program. Payment of cost assistance is contingent upon funding availability.

Submit by email to nutrient.management@delaware.gov
or by regular mail to:
Delaware Department of Agriculture
Delaware Nutrient Management Program
2320 South DuPont Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter of approval and a Claim for Payment form. After completion of the manure transport, you must send in the Claim for Payment form and the weight slips for payment. Payment of cost assistance is contingent upon funding availability.

Delaware Nutrient Management Program

The Nutrient Management Relocation Program is a cost assistance program designed to assist in transporting nutrients (manure) from areas of excess, to areas in need of nutrients. Many farms are dealing with excess manure, namely poultry litter, and need to export the manure in order to balance crop nutrient demands. The Delaware Nutrient Management Program provides financial assistance for the cost of Delaware manure to alternative use projects or farms in need of nutrients.




Any farmer, person or business can apply for assistance as long as they take responsibility for meeting transport standards and follow the Relocation Program Guidelines.


A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Relocation Program Guide
- Relocation Claim for Payment (PDF)
- Relocation Claim for Payment with Auto Calculator
- Relocation Claim for Payment Checklist


Weeds

Fertilizer

Inputs

Individuals and businesses must complete Form W-9 prior to applying for cost-assistance. Complete this form ONLY if you are applying for cost assistance for the first time or updating your contact information (e.g. address, phone number, direct deposit/ACH, etc.).

Funding for EFRP is determined by Congress. Up to 75% of the cost to implement emergency conservation practices can be provided, however the final amount is determined by the committee reviewing the application. The FSA County Committee is able to approve applications up to $50,000 while $50,000 to $100,000 requires state committee approval. Amounts over $100,000 require the approval of the national FSA office. Additionally, a limit on payments of $500,000 per person or entity per disaster applies.

Owners should check with their local FSA office to find out about EFRP sign-up periods after a natural disaster has occurred.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. The EFRP does this by authorizing payments&#x2004;to owners of private forests to restore disaster damaged forests. Forests provide shelter for wildlife, help provide nutrients for soil, and help protect water supplies. By restoring forests and forest health the EFRP works to protect natural resources and wildlife habitats.


The local FSA County Committee implements EFRP for all disasters with the exceptions of drought and insect infestations. In the case of drought or an insect infestation, the national FSA office authorizes EFRP implementation.



The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. The EFRP does this by authorizing payments to owners of private forests to restore disaster damaged forests. Forests provide shelter for wildlife, help provide nutrients for soil, and help protect water supplies. By restoring forests and forest health the EFRP works to protect natural resources and wildlife habitats.

The local FSA County Committee implements EFRP for all disasters with the exceptions of drought and insect infestations. In the case of drought or an insect infestation, the national FSA office authorizes EFRP implementation.

The FSA County Committee inspects the damage to determine if forest land is eligible for EFRP. For land to qualify for EFRP funds, the damage from the natural disaster must create new conservation problems that if not dealt with would (1) harm the natural resources on the land and/or (2) significantly affect future land use.

Only owners of nonindustrial private forests with tree cover existing before the natural disaster occurred are eligible to apply. The land must be owned by a private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has decision making authority on the land and doesn’t use the land for business purposes.

FSA county committees determine land eligibility using on-site damage inspections that assess the type and extent of damage. To be eligible for EFRP,  nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land must:
- Have existing tree cover (or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and is suitable for growing trees); and
- Be owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation, or other private legal entity.

Forestry

Forest Residues

Timber

Trees

Air Quality

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Coronavirus

Fencing

Trade Relief

Wildfire

Reduced Tillage

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Emergency

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Forest Management

Disaster Relief

Weather

To apply for this program through EQIP, work with your local NRCS office.

A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). With high tunnel systems, no summer is too short or winter too cold because high tunnels:

- Extend the growing season

- Improve plant quality and soil quality

- Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation

- Improve air quality&#x2004;through reduced transportation inputs

- Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce


High tunnels protect plants from severe weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons – growing earlier into the spring, later into the fall, and sometimes, year-round. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching plants, farmers can use precise tools like drip irrigation to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. High tunnels also offer farmers a greater ability to control pests and can even protect plants from pollen and pesticide drift.


A number of soil health practices can be used in high tunnels, including cover crops and crop rotations, which also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, increase soil water content, and break pest cycles.


Perhaps the best thing about high tunnels is that they help farmers provide their communities with healthy local food for much of the year – food that requires less energy and transportation inputs.



A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). With high tunnel systems, no summer is too short or winter too cold because high tunnels:
- Extend the growing season
- Improve plant quality and soil quality
- Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation
- Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs
- Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce

High tunnels protect plants from severe weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons – growing earlier into the spring, later into the fall, and sometimes, year-round. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching plants, farmers can use precise tools like drip irrigation to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. High tunnels also offer farmers a greater ability to control pests and can even protect plants from pollen and pesticide drift.

A number of soil health practices can be used in high tunnels, including cover crops and crop rotations, which also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, increase soil water content, and break pest cycles.

Perhaps the best thing about high tunnels is that they help farmers provide their communities with healthy local food for much of the year – food that requires less energy and transportation inputs.

In addition to implementing high tunnel practices outlined with your local NRCS office, producers must meet all other eligibility requirements associated with EQIP.


Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Farmers Market

Infrastructure

Food Systems

Supporting practices may be needed to ensure that resource concerns associated with implementing and managing high tunnel systems are addressed. These conservation practices may include:
- Critical Area Planting
- Diversion Grassed Waterway
- Mulching
- Irrigation System, Micro-irrigation
- Subsurface Drain
- Surface Drainage, Field Ditch
- Underground Outlet


To apply for this program through EQIP, work with your local NRCS office. Although EQIP supports a wide variety of conservation practices, your local NRCS field office staff will work with you to develop an organic plan that includes practices that fits your resource needs as part of the Organic Initiative.

Organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers may also apply for assistance through general EQIP or other conservation initiatives. 

The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs.


Assistance begins with the development of a conservation plan&#x2004;based on a needs assessment and each farmer’s unique goals. The plan includes conservation practices, systems or activities, and the resource concerns identified in the assessment.

Common conservation practices, systems or activities planned include:

- Improving irrigation efficiency;

- Developing a Conservation Activity Plan for Transition that can be part of the OSP;

- Establishing buffer zones;

- Creating pollinator habitat;

- Improving soil health and controlling erosion;

- Developing a grazing plan and supportive livestock practices;

- Enhancing cropping rotations;

- Nutrient and pest management activities;

- Managing cover crops; and

- Installing a [high tunnel system](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/organic/?cid=nrcseprd1364702). 



The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs.

Assistance begins with the development of a conservation plan based on a needs assessment and each farmer’s unique goals. The plan includes conservation practices, systems or activities, and the resource concerns identified in the assessment.
Common conservation practices, systems or activities planned include:
- Improving irrigation efficiency;
- Developing a Conservation Activity Plan for Transition that can be part of the OSP;
- Establishing buffer zones;
- Creating pollinator habitat;
- Improving soil health and controlling erosion;
- Developing a grazing plan and supportive livestock practices;
- Enhancing cropping rotations;
- Nutrient and pest management activities;
- Managing cover crops; and
- Installing a high tunnel system. 

- Certified Organic: Producers with a USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Organic Certificate or proof of good standing from a USDA accredited certifying agent. The certification must be maintained for the life of the EQIP contract.
- Exempt from Certification of the NOP: Producers who are selling less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products and are exempt from NOP’s certification. Exempt organic producers are eligible for the EQIP Organic Initiative if they self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an Organic Systems Plan (OSP), as required by the NOP.
- Transitioning to Organic: Producers who are in the process of transitioning to organic. Transitioning producers self-certify that they agree to develop and work toward implementing an OSP, as required by the NOP.

Marketing

Research

Compliance

- Financial assistance is limited to no more than $140,000 total over the 2018 Farm Bill years, 2019 through 2023.
- Producers must meet all other eligibility requirements associated with EQIP.
- ​Participants who are not certified or exempt from certification must agree to develop and work towards implementing an Organic System Plan to meet National Organic Program organic certification through USDA.

Offers for FWP are accepted throughout the year. FWP contracts last between 10 and 15 years. All enrollment offers are processed through your local FSA office. 


The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. Participants must agree to restore the wetlands, establish plant cover, and to not use enrolled land for commercial purposes. Plant cover may include plants&#x2004;that are partially submerged or specific types of trees.


The Farm Services Agency (FSA) runs the program through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with assistance from other government agencies and local conservation groups.


By restoring farmable wetlands, FWP improves groundwater quality, helps trap and break down pollutants, prevents soil erosion, reduces downstream flood damage, and provides habitat for water birds and other wildlife. Wetlands can also be used to treat sewage and are found to be as effective as “high tech” methods. 



The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. Participants must agree to restore the wetlands, establish plant cover, and to not use enrolled land for commercial purposes. Plant cover may include plants that are partially submerged or specific types of trees.

The Farm Services Agency (FSA) runs the program through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with assistance from other government agencies and local conservation groups.

By restoring farmable wetlands, FWP improves groundwater quality, helps trap and break down pollutants, prevents soil erosion, reduces downstream flood damage, and provides habitat for water birds and other wildlife. Wetlands can also be used to treat sewage and are found to be as effective as “high tech” methods. 

Farmers and ranchers in any state can take part in the program. However, there are restrictions on the land and amount of acreage that can be enrolled. Land generally must have been used for agricultural purposes for 3 of the past 10 crop years, can include a man-made wetland used to process water flow for crop drainage, can have been used for aqua farming purposes, or has been used for prairie wetland overflow purposes. 

Interested landowners should check with their local FSA office for other requirements and limitations related to acreage and restricted years of activity. 

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

1. Apply for EQIP-Assist when the farmer has ranked out for an EQIP Contract.
2. Apply for Technical Assistance as soon as a water quality concern is identified or a need for permitting or variance assistance arises.
3. Apply to the Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program annually by April 1st for design services and funding of conservation practice.
All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for the Farmstead BMP Program received after April 1st will be rolled into the next year's applicant pool.
Prior to applying please read the important information below:
- BMP projects are only eligible for State cost share dollars if the they meet the design standards and specifications established by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or are designed and certified by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Vermont and are equivalent to the federal performance standards and specifications.
- Applying does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and receives reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Online Application

Emma Eason

The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers&#x2004;with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:

1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.

2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.

3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.



The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:
1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.
2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.
3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.

The Agricultural Engineering Section provides Technical and Financial Assistance (TA & FA) pursuant to 6 V.S.A. §§ 4820 -4826. Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply. Applications are evaluated according to the funding priorities established in statute and receive priority based on a priority ranking and risk assessment. Funding is available according to the cost share policy.
Examples of conservation practices eligible for cost share through the Farmstead BMP Program
- Manure storage
- Composting stack pad
- Barnyard runoff collection
- Gutter / ditch clean water diversion
- Laneway development & stream crossings
- Exclusion fencing & watering facilities
- Milk house waste collection & treatment
- Silage leachate collection

- Download Program Factsheet
- BMP Construction Log Booklet
- NRCS VAAFM Release Form
- BMP Planning Checklist
- BMP Pre-Construction Form

Application

Applicants must verify in their application that commercial lender or Farm Service Agency loan proceeds are available to help complete the proposed farming project. Applicants that are awarded grants may not materially deviate from their approved business plans without approval from MARBIDCO and the participating commercial lender.

Mail completed applications to:

MARBIDCO Programs
1410 Forest Dr., Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403

Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Company

Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).


MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.



Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).

MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.

Applicants must be qualified Beginning Urban Farmers, which are defined as being farmers (either individuals or incorporated businesses) with the principal operator(s) having:
- Limited personal or business financial resources;
- A food/fiber growing operation located in an urban community (i.e., must be geographically located within an incorporated municipality, or within the Baltimore or Washington beltways including the City of Baltimore);
- Ten or fewer years of commercial farming experience – either in a for-profit or not-for-profit setting; and
- No previous commercial agriculture loan history.

Eligible business activities include the purchase of:
- Agricultural inputs and supplies such as seed, fertilizer, compost, and baskets;
- Farm tools and equipment;
- Greenhouses, high tunnels, refrigeration, and irrigation systems; and
- Hired labor (at no more than 20% of the total eligible project cost).


Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Feed

Pest Management

Seed

Training

Succession

Historically Underserved

Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000, calculated at no more than 20% of the project’s total cost and no more than 25% of the amount of the approved commercial loan for the project. (The minimum grant amount is $1,000 – with a commercial loan of $4,000, combines for a $5,000 project).

Read the Request For Applications carefully to confirm your eligibility and assemble the necessary materials, then apply online at CDFA's grant portal.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) awards competitive grants to California dairy and livestock operations for the implementation of&#x2004;non-digester manure management practices and technologies that result in long-term methane emission reductions and maximize environmental benefits.


Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: 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 California Department of Food and Agriculture's Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) awards competitive grants to California dairy and livestock operations for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices and technologies that result in long-term methane emission reductions and maximize environmental benefits.

Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: 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.


California farmers, ranchers, and California Native American Tribes are eligible to apply. Individuals and business entities receiving grant award funds must be located in California with a physical California business address.

The project site must be located on a commercial California dairy or livestock operation.
- A dairy operation is defined as an entity that operates a dairy herd, which produces milk or cream commercially, and whose bulk milk or bulk cream is received or handled by any distributor, manufacturer, or any nonprofit cooperative association of dairy producers.
- A livestock operation is defined as an entity raising farm animals such as cattle, poultry, goats, sheep, swine and horses.

Livestock

Dairy

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

- 2023 Request For Applications
- CDFA AMMP Project Planning Tool
- GHG Calculator
- List of Practices Incentivized by the AMMP


List of Agricultural Funding for Waste & Manure Management