CDFA’s Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is pleased to announce that Concept Proposal applications are now open for both the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Block Grants, funded by the Climate Bond.
This milestone reflects the continued momentum of two of California’s leading climate-smart agriculture programs. Together, SWEEP and HSP support practices that improve water efficiency, build soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen long-term resilience across the state’s agricultural landscape. Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Block Grants, funded by the Climate Bond, which allocated $40 million for State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and $65 million for practices that improve soil health or accelerate carbon removal or sequestration.
OARS is currently seeking eligible organizations to serve as Block Grant Recipients for both programs. These organizations will play a vital role in administering funding, delivering technical assistance, and ensuring that resources reach farmers and ranchers across California.
At this stage, CDFA is only accepting Concept Proposals from organizations interested in becoming Block Grant Recipients. These Proposals can also include partner organizations that would assist in providing technical assistance to farmers and ranchers. Submission of a Concept Proposal is required to be considered for invitation to submit a Full Proposal. This phased process will ensure that only the most competitive applicants invest time in developing a full proposal.
This is not a funding opportunity for individual farmers or ranchers. Producer funding will be made available at a later date through awarded Block Grant Recipients, with anticipated rollout beginning in 2027.
To support applicants, OARS has partnered with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources to provide technical assistance. Community Education Specialists (CESs) across California are available to help organizations develop competitive proposals, particularly those that deliver meaningful and direct benefits to severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs), disadvantaged communities (DACs), tribes, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFRs). The CESs are holding weekly Zoom meetings during the Concept Proposal phase to address applicant questions, and can also be reached at climatesmartag@ucdavis.edu
Expanding Access Through Tribal Set-Asides
Both programs are also advancing efforts to expand access for California Native American Tribes and Tribal-serving organizations. This effort aligns with the priorities of Proposition 4 and reflects a commitment to addressing the historical underrepresentation of Tribes in SWEEP, while supporting water efficiency and energy-saving projects on Tribal agricultural lands.
During the current solicitation, SWEEP will offer a Tribal set-aside of up to $4 million for qualified Tribal governments and nonprofit organizations affiliated with Tribal governments. Tribal applicants will apply through the same Concept Proposal process and implement block grant projects consistent with other recipients. Additionally, HSP will also make up to $4 million available through a Tribal set-aside opportunity that will open in early 2027. OARS intends to incorporate tribal practices into HSP, including cultural burning. Leading up to the 2027 solicitation, OARS will work in partnership with Tribal communities to develop a tailored Block Grant opportunity through a Tribal consultation process.
OARS is excited to continue building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural future for California through HSP and SWEEP, and grateful for the opportunity provided by California’s voters through the Climate Bond.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Learn more and apply by visiting our webpage.