Resources and Funding Programs for Agriculture and Climate Change

Reports

Web Resources

  • The California Climate Change Portal

    A central information resource for statewide efforts in addressing climate change. This website includes the most current information about the Climate Action Team, climate change research, implementation of California's climate protection law (Assembly Bill 32) and greenhouse gas inventory.

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Change Website

    The U.S. EPA's climate change site offers comprehensive information in an accessible way. It covers science; greenhouse gas sources; health and environmental impacts; climate protection policy; regulatory initiatives; and suggested action steps for businesses, farmers, individuals and communities.

  • California Climate Action Registry

    The purpose of the Registry is to help California companies and organizations establish credible, accurate and consistent greenhouse gas emissions baselines against which any future greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements may be applied. Baselines, or protocols, that have been developed include ones for forestry and dairy anaerobic digesters.

  • Chicago Climate Exchange

    The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) is the largest and first U.S. voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction and trading institution. Programs specific to conservation tillage and manure management have been developed here. Reductions achieved through CCX are the only reductions made in North America through a legally binding compliance regime, providing independent, third-party verification by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly NASD). CCX emitting members make a voluntary but legally binding commitment to meet annual greenhouse gas reduction targets. Those who reduce below the targets have surplus allowances to sell or bank; those who emit above the targets comply by purchasing CCX Carbon Financial Instrument® contracts.

  • Point Carbon

    Point Carbon is a world-leading provider of independent news, analyses and consulting services for European and global power, gas and carbon markets. This site is a useful resource for keeping track of the U.S. and international market pricing of carbon.

  • California Biodiesel Alliance

    The California Biodiesel Alliance is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting biodiesel in California. It was founded by California biodiesel pioneers and industry leaders and represents the biodiesel industry in government relations.

  • National Biodiesel Alliance

    The National Biodiesel Alliance supports information sharing and opportunities to help advance the use of clean-burning, renewable biodiesel fuel that meets high industry standards. They educate policymakers and others about the benefits of biodiesel to human health, the environment, national energy security and the U.S. economy.

Funding Programs

There are several U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that focus on improved land management and production practices that result in carbon being sequestered. The Environmental Quality Incentives, Conservation Security, Agricultural Management Assistance, Conservation Incentive and Wildlife Habitat Incentives programs fall into this category.

  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program

    The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps fund voluntary conservation projects for farmers and ranchers that promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist those eligible to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.

  • Conservation Security Program

    The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is an opportunity for California farmers who have been practicing good soil and water conservation on their farmland. The purpose of CSP is to reward the best conservation farmers and motivate others to become good land stewards.

  • Agricultural Management Assistance Program

    Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) provides cost-share assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations. Growers may construct water management or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management or transition to organic farming.

  • Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

    The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides both technical assistance and up to 75% cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from five to 10 years.

  • Conservation Innovation Grant Program

    Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, all in conjunction with agricultural production. There is also a state component specific to California.