Farm Bureaus secure grant awards for climate projects

Farm Bureaus in Butte and Solano counties were awarded $10 million in grants through the California Department of Food and Agriculture to fund projects that support soil health and water efficiency.

The two Farm Bureaus received $5 million each from the state’s Healthy Soils Program and the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, or SWEEP.

The grants for Butte County Farm Bureau support on-farm projects in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties.

Grant monies awarded to Solano County Farm Bureau support projects in Solano, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

The funds come from $105 million in grant funds awarded in September to 23 organizations.

Qualifying organizations that are awarded Healthy Soils and SWEEP block grants may disburse funds to eligible farmers, ranchers or agricultural operations for projects and technical assistance that support water resilience strategies and address impacts of climate change.

“Solano County Farm Bureau is excited to be a recipient of this huge opportunity to support California farmers and ranchers in improving their water use efficiency and their soils,” said Lisa Shipley, the organization’s executive director.

“It’s a great way for agriculture to once again demonstrate its stewardship and care for the environment and the natural resources of our area,” she added.

Solano County Farm Bureau will announce hearings and workshops so that farmers and ranchers can learn more and apply for funding.

Colleen Cecil, executive director of Butte County Farm Bureau, said the organization is poised to help farmers, who may apply for grants of up to $200,000.

“Having witnessed numerous Butte County farmers and ranchers successfully access Healthy Soils and SWEEP funding in previous grant cycles, Butte County Farm Bureau wanted to make it possible for area producers to have priority access to these funds under the new block grant format,” Cecil said.

The $10 million in grants “will benefit water efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, soil and plant health, local farms, ranches—and the county Farm Bureau, too,” Cecil added.