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CDFA Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is seeking public comments on draft application documents for the 2026 Healthy Soils Program and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program Block Grants.

These grants of $2 to $4 million will fund organizations to provide technical assistance to producers, select on-farm projects for financial support, and to manage those projects over an implementation period of up to three years. The public comment period is open from January 20 to February 18, 2026. 

What is the purpose of HSP and SWEEP Block Grants? 

While OARS historically provided grants directly to producers, both programs are currently administered as a block grant program. The awarded organizations, referred to as Block Grant Recipients, provide technical assistance and financial assistance to producers who will serve as grant beneficiaries through their own independently-operated funding solicitations

Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides incentives to farmers and ranchers to implement a suite of on-farm practices known to promote carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reductions.

State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) promotes the use of water and energy efficient irrigation systems to conserve water and to reduce greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions associated with irrigation, helping farms become more resilient to California’s highly variable water supply. Through the program, producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement a custom project including improvements to the irrigation and energy components of their farm.

Who is eligible to apply as a Block Grant Recipient (BGR)?

Public Agencies, Local Agencies, 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations, Special Districts, Joint Powers Authority, Public Utilities, Local Publicly Owned Utilities, Mutual Water Companies, and California Native American Tribes are eligible BGRs.

Any BGRs that are unable to provide technical assistance to assist producers (grant beneficiaries) in implementing HSP or SWEEP projects will have to partner with a qualified organization to lead the required technical assistance component of the project.

Who are eligible grant beneficiaries?

Individuals or entities that either own or control the agricultural land where HSP practices /SWEEP projects will be implemented are eligible grant beneficiaries. This includes:

• Persons (sole proprietors, lessees, or Single Member LLCs) occupied as farmers or ranchers managing lands in California, of at least 18 years of age;
• Agricultural Business Entities that lease or own agricultural land in California, California Native American Tribes, or
• Nonprofit organizations working as agriculture operations.

How much funding is available?

Through this solicitation process, OARS anticipates awarding approximately $50 million for HSP Block Grants and approximately $34 million for SWEEP Block Grants.

Individual grant awards will range from $2 million to $4 million. Of each grant award budget: at least 80 percent must fund on-farm practices and up to 20 percent will fund project administration costs.

How can I share my insight?

OARS will respond to comments submitted through an online response form linked here or via email at cdfa.oars@cdfa.ca.gov by February 18, 2026.

Additionally, OARS will provide time for oral public comment at its Scientific Advisory Panel on Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture on February 12, 2026. An agenda will be posted here at least 10 days in advance of the meeting, along with the Zoom link to attend.

The draft application guidelines for HSP and SWEEP can be found here. These application guidelines provide an overview of the HSP and SWEEP application process and requirements. Once finalized, each program will host a separate solicitation.