Climate Smart Agriculture in San Diego County

Wildfire in San Diego County near residential areas

Are You Prepared for Fire Season?

July 8, 2026
By Michael Jaquez
Wildfire in San Diego CountyWildfire is a reality of farming and ranching in San Diego County; wildfire has long been a part of our region's landscape. Historical records show that San Diego County has experienced hundreds of large wildfires over the past century, with some of the most devastating fires…
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Farm landscape in San Diego County

SWEEP and HSP: New Changes for Farmers and Ranchers

March 9, 2026
By Michael Jaquez
Overview of SWEEP and HSP:The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program provides funding to implement on-farm projects to existing irrigation systems, that reduce water use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Common project components include pump replacement or retrofit, installing variable…
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Photo of pastures with chicken schooners

Support for the SWEEP/HSP Block Grants

February 4, 2026
By Michael Jaquez
 The Climate Smart Agriculture ProgramThe Climate Smart Agriculture Program is a team of Community Education Specialists that have historically provided technical assistance to local growers, for CDFA's Healthy Soils Program (HSP), State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), and Alternative…
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Climate Bond Prop. 4 Logo

Funding Opportunity: CDFA SWEEP/HSP Block Grant

January 8, 2026
By Michael Jaquez
Highlight of the Opportunity: The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) will open a solicitation for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), through a Block Grant Structure. This funding is coming from the Prop. 2 Climate Bond…
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Differences seen in biochars, based on feedstock

Everything Biochar

December 10, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
Biochar application will be a new conservation practice for the next Healthy Soils Program. A training on biochar called, "Growing with Biochar," was offered to teach technical assistance providers (And the Climate Smart Agriculture Program Community Education Specialists) on all things biochar, and was a…
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Photo of colorado river basin

Colorado River Basin: Immersive Modeling for a Brighter Future

October 28, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
The Colorado River Basin provides a large portion of water to San Diego County residents and farmers. It is extremely important to the livelihoods of many, but the Colorado River Basin faces critical water shortages, and a reduction in inflow that threatens reservoir levels, primarily Lake Powell and Lake…
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Photo of pastures with chicken schooners

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program: Our Impact

August 26, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
 The Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Program was created through a collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). The primary goal of the CSA team is to increase the adoption of climate-smart…
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Biochar being spread

Update: Healthy Soils Program Incentive Grant; New Practices

August 19, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
 The Healthy Soils Program, a funding opportunity through the California Department of Food and Agriculture, recently added three new conservation practices. In future incentive program solicitations, eligible farmers and ranchers will be able to apply for biochar application, prescribed indigenous…
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Stone fruit orchard

Healthy Soils Program Soil Health Pilot

May 30, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
 The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentive Grant, offered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), provides funding to farmers and ranchers in California, to implement soil conservation management practices with the goal of increasing soil health and carbon sequestration, and…
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Cattle on a field with a single hot wire

Why Grazing Management Matters

April 1, 2025
By Michael Jaquez
Producers that have pastureland or rangeland that also have grazing livestock (Cattle, sheep, goats…) should develop good grazing management practices. Stellar grazing management allows for a pasture to be grazed in a sustainable way that will prevent damage to the pasture and provide ample nutrition to the…
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San Diego Healthy Soils Program Demonstration Project

October 30, 2024
By Michael Jaquez
The California Department of Food and Agriculture offers Healthy Soils Program demonstration project grants to fund on-farm projects that involve data collection, demonstrating various conservation management practices, and providing an opportunity for local growers to see the effectiveness of these...
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dairy-compost.kozak-pack-e1446046056498

What's that Smell?!

August 7, 2024
By Michael Jaquez
When it comes to animal housing, manure management requires thought and consideration. Much of this decision depends on the size of the operation, species of animal, and the overall goals of your farming practices.
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Sheep

Sheep in the Vineyard?

May 24, 2024
By Michael Jaquez
Historically, farmers raised both crops and livestock because they are mutually beneficial.
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SoilNutrients

Want Healthy Soil?

March 27, 2024
By Michael Jaquez
The Healthy Soils Program incentive grant provides funding to implement a variety of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gases.
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irr

All About SWEEP

March 5, 2024
By Michael Jaquez
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is a grant funding opportunity offered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and administered by the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI).
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Image of a farm in San Diego County.
Wide view of green farmland with rolling hills and scattered buildings under a clear sky.

INTRODUCTION

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program at UCCE San Diego County focuses on programs and strategies to manage the impacts of climate trends on agricultural production in San Diego County.

We provide technical assistance resources to local organizations, farmers, and ranchers, to support sustainable agricultural production, while contributing to soil health, water efficiency, and energy conservation. Our clients include agricultural producers, government agencies, researchers, educators, consultants and other public and private agricultural service providers.

 

Grant Opportunities:

For Assistance Contact: Michael Jaquez

 

 

 

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