Resources

USDA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland and conservation structures damaged by natural disasters.

Eligible land includes:

• Commercial farming, ranching, and orchard operations

• Grazing lands for commercial livestock production

• Conservation structures such as waterways, terraces, and diversions

Arrowhead Agriculture offers services that may qualify for ECP assistance, including:

• Storm Damage & Disaster Cleanup

• Soil Erosion Control & Watershed Management

• Orchard & Vineyard Removal – Post-Flooding

• Rangeland Perimeter Clearing

• Defensible Space Clearing for Wildfires (to protect livestock, buildings, etc.)

How to Apply: To apply for ECP assistance, contact your local FSA office promptly after a natural disaster occurs. They will guide you through the application process, which includes:

For more information, visit the FSA Disaster Assistance Programs page or contact your local FSA office.

Updated January 2025

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners for conservation improvements. For landowners looking to remove orchards, restore rangeland, or manage forestry resources, EQIP can help offset costs associated with sustainable land management—services that Arrowhead Agriculture specializes in.

Program Benefits

EQIP helps enhance:

• Water and air quality

• Soil health and erosion control

• Water conservation

• Wildlife habitat

• Drought resilience

Who is Eligible?

EQIP is available to:

• Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners

• Indian Tribes

• Water management entities

• Agricultural producers with conservation goals

Eligible Land Types

• Cropland, hayland, pastureland, and rangeland

• Non-industrial private forestland

• Environmentally sensitive areas

How to Apply

EQIP funding deadlines varying by state. To apply, contact your local NRCS office to discuss eligibility and the application process.

For details, visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local NRCS office directly.

Updated January 2025

UC Davis' Research on Whole Orchard Recycling

The University of California, Davis has conducted extensive research on Whole Orchard Recycling (WOR), a sustainable orchard removal method that grinds entire trees into wood chips and incorporates them into the soil. Research shows that WOR enhances soil health, improves air quality, and increases long-term orchard productivity.

At Arrowhead Agriculture, we are a UC Davis California Orchard Recycling Provider, specializing in whole orchard removal and on-site chipping to help growers implement WOR. Our services align with UC Davis' research by supporting sustainable orchard management and helping farmers take advantage of the benefits WOR provides.

Key Benefits of WOR:

• Improved Soil Health – Enhances soil organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen levels for better fertility.

• Enhanced Water Use Efficiency – Helps retain moisture and improve orchard resilience.

• Increased Yield Potential – Research shows trees replanted in recycled orchards can experience higher yields.

To learn more about WOR research, visit the UC Davis Whole Orchard Recycling website.

Updated January 2025

DFA's Healthy Soils Program (HSP)

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program (HSP) is part of the state's Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration among state agencies to promote the development of healthy soils on California's farmlands and ranchlands. The program provides financial incentives to implement conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (cdfa.ca.gov)

Key Objectives of HSP:

• Enhance soil organic matter

• Increase carbon sequestration

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

At Arrowhead Agriculture, our services align with the goals of the HSP. We specialize in Orchard and Vineyard Removal. This practice can enhance soil organic matter and contributes to carbon sequestration, supporting the objectives of the HSP.

Our Relevant Services:

• Orchard and Vineyard Removal

• On-site Chipping, Spreading and preparation for Soil Incorporation

• Soil Erosion Control and Watershed Management

By implementing these practices, we help growers improve soil health and contribute to environmental sustainability.

For more information on the Healthy Soils Program, visit the CDFA Healthy Soils Program website.

Updated January 2025

Free Grant Assistance for Growers

Growers now have access to free grant assistance help from UC educational specialists to complete incentive funding applications for soil and water conservation projects from CDFA’s Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP).

For more information, visit almonds.com

(updated January 2022)

CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) administers the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, which provides funding for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk in fire-threatened communities. The program focuses on activities that enhance public safety, protect structures, and mitigate wildfire hazards, while also aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (fire.ca.gov)

Funded Activities Include:

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction: Projects such as vegetation clearance, creation, or maintenance of fuel breaks, removal of ladder fuels, and selective tree removal to improve forest health and reduce wildfire intensity.

• Wildfire Prevention Planning: Development or updating of strategic planning documents like Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), evacuation plans, and wildfire prevention or mitigation plans.

• Wildfire Prevention Education: Implementation of public education and outreach programs to increase awareness and knowledge about wildfire prevention and preparedness.

At Arrowhead Agriculture, we offer services that align with the objectives of CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, including:

• Defensible Space Clearing: Creating and maintaining defensible space around properties to protect structures and enhance safety during wildfires.

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction: Implementing fuel reduction projects to decrease wildfire intensity and spread.

• Wildfire Prevention Planning Assistance: Collaborating with communities to develop or update wildfire prevention and mitigation plans.

Our expertise in these areas can help communities effectively utilize grant funding to enhance wildfire resilience.

For more information on the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, including application details and deadlines, visit the CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants webpage.

Updated January 2025

California Fire Safe Council Grant Program

The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) provides grant opportunities to support local wildfire prevention efforts and enhance the capacity of organizations working to reduce wildfire risk in at-risk communities. The 2023/2024 State Fire Capacity (SFC) Grant Program focuses on funding projects that promote wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and hazardous fuels reduction.

2023/2024 Grant Priorities

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction – Projects that reduce wildfire intensity by clearing vegetation and creating fuel breaks.

• Defensible Space Programs – Initiatives that help property owners maintain defensible space around homes and structures.

• Wildfire Prevention Education & Outreach – Efforts to educate communities on fire prevention and preparedness.

In 2023/2024, CFSC awarded $1,575,000 in funding to support 17 wildfire risk reduction projects across California.

For the most up-to-date grant opportunities and application details, visit the California Fire Safe Council's Grants and Funding page.

(updated January 2024)