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The California Department of Food and Agriculture has released its Request for Grant Applications (RGA) for the Pollinator Habitat Program (PHP). Administered through CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI), and aligned with the department’s Climate Smart Agriculture Incentive programs, the PHP will provide up to $14.5 million in funding to help established and experienced organizations work hand-in-hand with farmers and ranchers to install habitat and implement management practices that support pollinators.

What is the program’s objective? The program’s primary objective is to support pollinators through provision of floral resources, host plants, and other elements of suitable habitat to be integrated with farming operations. Projects funded through the PHP can be expected to have additional benefits to California’s biodiversity and agricultural production. Projects will support integrated pest management, support beneficial species (beyond pollinators), enhance carbon sequestration, and improve soil health among other co-benefits.

When is the application deadline? Applications are due on November 23, 2022.

What are the anticipated funding amounts and duration? The maximum award is $2,000,000. Of this amount, 18 percent may be used for technical assistance, administrative tasks, and indirect costs of up to 25 percent of direct costs. The remainder of the grant funds will be dedicated to practice implementation and reimbursed through flat payment rates. Grant funding may be used over a period of three years beginning at the time of the grant agreement, estimated to begin May 1, 2023.

What entities are eligible to receive funding?

The following entities are eligible to apply for PHP grants:

• Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs)
• University of California (UC), California Community Colleges, or California State Universities (CSU)
• Non-profits including, but not limited to, Land Trusts with the conservation of agricultural lands as their mission or amongst their stated purposes
• Federally- and California-Recognized Native American Indian Tribes

Agricultural commodity groups are encouraged to apply in partnership with the above eligible entities. Entities applying for PHP grants must have demonstrated expertise and experience in habitat restoration on agricultural lands or implementation of conservation management practices that support pollinators. Partnerships between multiple organizations are encouraged.

What projects are eligible for PHP funding?

Beyond the 18 percent maximum of grant funding to be used for project administration and to provide outreach and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, the following Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) have been identified by the USDA NRCS to have a purpose or resource concern that includes provision of habitat for pollinators or increases/enhances pollinator-friendly biodiversity:

• Alley Cropping
• Conservation Cover
• Contour Buffer Strips
• Cover Crops
• Critical Area Planting
• Field Border
• Filter Strip
• Hedgerow Planting
• Pest Management Conservation System
• Riparian Forest Buffer
• Riparian Herbaceous Cover
• Silvopasture
• Tree/Shrub Establishment
• Wildlife Habitat Planting
• Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation

The full Request for Applications can be found here.

Morrison has extensive experience writing successful applications for clients for CDFA programs. For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.