Foodshed Small Farm Distro and Resource Hub Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot

The Climate-Smart Incentive Pilot would generate economic opportunities and provide direct incentives to small and socially disadvantaged specialty crop farmers in San Diego County for improving soil health through compost application, reduced tillage and tree/shrub establishment and quantifying GHG reductions. Project partners plan to address equity by reducing barriers caused by language, and limited access to equipment and information.

To participate in the Climate Smart Incentive Program you must:

• Operate a soil-based farm in San Diego, Riverside, Imperial or Orange County, or on a neighboring Tribal Nation;

• Make at least $1000 per year in commercial sales;

• Have an authentic interest in improving the resilience of your farm.

There are no participation limits based on ownership vs. leasing of land or length of time in operation.

Foodshed’s USDA-funded Climate Smart Incentive Program will launch in October 2023 and end in September 2028. Participating farms may enroll between October and December each year and must:

• Complete a 4-part enrollment orientation (farms that complete orientation will receive a $2,500 incentive payment);

• Participate in two soil health tests per year;

• Verify progress towards their climate smart goals through an annual site visit; and

• Furnish receipts and invoices for their Climate Smart Market Incentive payments.

• Track B farmers will also work with Technical Advisors to complete and implement a Carbon Farm Plan. For more on Carbon Farm Plans visit: www.carboncycle.org

There are three ways to get involved in the Climate Smart Incentive Program:

1. RSVP and attend a periodic info session

2. Visit foodshedcooperative.com/climate

3. Contact Bea Alvarez, CSIP Project Coordinator: climate@foodshedcoop.com

• RSVP for an info session here.

• FAQ document