FederalRolling / continuousCost-share / reimbursement
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Rolling sign-up — periodic state batching cutoffs
Cost-share for high tunnels, irrigation efficiency, cover cropping, pollinator habitat, and 170+ other conservation practices. Continuous sign-up through your local NRCS office; periodic cutoff dates rank applications.
- Own or rent land in agricultural production
- Have a conservation concern that NRCS can address
Cost-share up to 75% of costs (90% for beginning/underserved producers); high tunnel packages commonly $6,000–$20,000
Conservation & soil healthIndividual producerBeginning / underservedTribal
FederalRolling / continuousAnnual payment / contract
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Rolling sign-up — state batching cutoffs, often late winter
Pays growers already practicing good stewardship to maintain and add new conservation enhancements — crop rotations, reduced tillage, habitat plantings. Best fit for farms with an existing conservation track record.
- Operate private or tribal agricultural land
- Can document existing conservation activities
Annual per-acre payments over a 5-year contract; minimum $4,000/year for many contracts
Conservation & soil healthIndividual producerBeginning / underservedTribal
StateOpen nowDirect grantCA only
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Block-grant windows through partner RCDs — varies by round
Pays California growers to implement compost application, cover cropping, mulching, hedgerows, and other carbon-building practices, with technical assistance available.
- Farm or business must operate in CA
- Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Up to $100,000 per operation over three years
Conservation & soil healthIndividual producerTribalBeginning / underserved