Learn about incentive programs that focus on helping growers cost-effectively help the environment, and find local organizations that offer resources and programs to growers, ranchers and urban farmers.
Incentive programs
In addition to Valley Water’s free Mobile Lab, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and PG&E's Agricultural and Food Wastewater Energy Program can help you cost-effectively help the environment.
Environmental Quality Incentive Program
The Natural Resources Conservation Services provides financial and technical assistance to start projects that improve natural resource management and yield environmental benefits, including:
- Improved water and air quality
- Conserved ground- and surface water
- Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation
- Improved/created wildlife habitat
PG&E’s Agriculture Programs
Receive financial assistance to implement energy efficiency and water conservation projects for agricultural-, food-, and beverage-processing facilities.
Organizations to help
The Santa Clara County Farm Bureau and University of California Cooperative Extension provide additional resources and programs.
Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
Learn about scholarships, water quality programs, and local resources to protect, promote, and preserve agriculture and ranching as a business and way of life in Santa Clara County.
Santa Clara County ARI Grant
Apply for the Agricultural Resilience Incentive (ARI) Grant to receive up to $30,000 in grant funding to improve soil health. Offered through the County of Santa Clara Department of Planning and Development.
University of California Cooperative Extension, Santa Clara County (UCCE)
The UCCE offers a Small Farm Program to provide production and marketing information to farmers not reached by traditional extension programs. The Small Farm Program connects farmers to local advisors, research, and news to help their business.
The UC Agriculture and Natural Resources can help if you are trying to start an Urban Farm or Community and School Gardens. It can also help if have an existing farm or garden and need assistance with:
- Business management
- Food production
- Food safety, handling, and production
- Laws and zoning regulations
Questions
For more information about this program, contact Ashley Shannon at (408) 630-2951.
To learn about Valley Water’s other water conservation programs, contact the Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 630-2554 or email [email protected].