Workshop Offers Assistance with Healthy Soils Program Application Process
The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a free Grant Opportunity Workshop to assist California growers with applying for the Healthy Soils Program. The workshop will take place on October 27 and November 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Interested parties can choose to attend on either date and can attend in person or virtually. The in-person sessions will take place at the San Diego County Farm Bureau located at 420 South Broadway, Escondido, CA.
The Healthy Soils Program provides up to $100,000 in grant funds for eligible agricultural management practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health. Eligible practices relevant to California avocado groves include:
- Compost application
- Conservation cover
- Cover crops
- Filter strips
- Mulching
- Hedgerow planting
- Nutrient management (15% reduction in fertilizer)
- Residue and tillage management
- Whole orchard recycling
- Windbreak/shelterbelt establishment
Presenters at the workshop will summarize the benefits of soil conservation practices and guide attendees through the HSP application process. The presenters include:
- Dr. Oli Bachie, San Diego and Imperial County Director, UCCE
- Dr. Esther Mosase, Community Education Specialist, UCCE
- Mary Matava, Agronomist and Owner, Agriservice
- Joel Kramer, Agricultural Specialist, Research Conservation District of Greater San Diego
Registration for the workshop is available online. Complete information about the Healthy Soils Program can be found online. The workshop is co-sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the Research Conservation District of Greater San Diego. For more information about the workshop, contact Dr. Mosase at [email protected] or Mr. Kramer at [email protected] or 619.562.0096, ext. 103.
