Round 11b Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) Agricultural Conservation Acquisition Grants

The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program is administered by the California Department of Conservation in coordination with the California Strategic Growth Council as part of the state’s broader California Climate Investments initiative. The program is funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is supported by cap-and-invest auction proceeds. This funding structure is designed to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening California’s agricultural economy, protecting natural resources, and delivering benefits to disadvantaged communities. The Round 11 Notice of Funding Availability outlines the availability of approximately 58 million dollars in competitive grant funding, distributed across two annual cycles. The primary purpose of the program is to protect agricultural lands from conversion to non-agricultural uses and to support sustainable land use planning. The program funds two main investment types: Agricultural Conservation Acquisitions and Agricultural Conservation Planning. Acquisition grants support the permanent protection of agricultural lands through conservation easements or fee title purchases, while planning grants fund the development and implementation of policies and strategies that safeguard agricultural land resources. These efforts are intended to maintain working lands, enhance climate resilience, and reduce emissions associated with land use changes. Funding is awarded through a competitive process and is distributed semi-annually, with awards aligned to scheduled Strategic Growth Council meetings. For Round 11, up to half of the available funding is allocated to Cycle A, with the remaining funds available for Cycle B. The total funding amount is subject to change depending on final cap-and-invest auction proceeds and the availability of residual funds from previously awarded but unspent projects. The program guidelines, adopted and amended prior to this round, provide the framework for allowable costs, project requirements, and implementation expectations. Eligibility generally includes public agencies and nonprofit organizations capable of implementing agricultural land conservation or planning projects within California. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to carry out projects that align with program goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting long-term agricultural viability. While specific eligibility criteria are detailed in program guidelines, the program emphasizes projects that deliver environmental, economic, and community co-benefits. The application process involves multiple phases depending on the project type. For acquisition projects, applicants must first submit a Phase One pre-proposal on a rolling basis via email. If approved, applicants proceed to Phase Two pre-proposals and ultimately to full applications. Planning applicants submit applications directly by the specified deadlines. All submissions must be sent electronically via email, and the official submission time is determined by receipt by the Department. Applicants are responsible for confirming receipt, as lack of acknowledgment within three business days may indicate a failed submission. For Cycle B of Round 11, key deadlines include Phase Two acquisition pre-proposals due on May 14, 2026, and full planning and acquisition applications due on June 17, 2026 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Awards for Cycle B are anticipated to be announced in October 2026. The program operates on a recurring cycle, offering funding opportunities twice per year, and encourages applicants to monitor updates and participate in informational workshops provided by the Department. Applicants can access program guidelines, application materials, and additional resources through the Department of Conservation’s website. Questions and submissions are handled through the program’s official email inbox. The program maintains a structured and transparent process designed to ensure that funds are allocated to projects that effectively protect agricultural lands, contribute to climate goals, and support sustainable community development across California.