Conservation Funding for Farmers & Ranchers

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Round 1 of Applications are Now Closed. Check back in December 2026 for Round 2.

Funded through a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant, this new program is designed to strengthen a regional supply chain of diverse agricultural commodities and increase consumer awareness by providing rebates to agricultural producers for conservation practices and marketing.

The conservation practices rebated through the program are intended to reduce greenhouse gases, enhance soil health, and promote greater long-term business sustainability. For this initial round, these practices include compost and soil amendment application, soil testing, cover cropping, pasture and range seeding, and cross fencing. Additionally, participating producers can receive dedicated marketing support through the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) to help promote the local agricultural commodities.produced through the rebated practices.

This program is being offered through a partnership of the County of Sonoma and the Gold Ridge, Sonoma, and Marin Resource Conservation Districts.

If you have questions about the program, contact Kat Deaner at Kat@goldridgercd.org. For questions about the application process, contact Emma Wood at Emma@goldridgercd.org.

See below for additional details and how to apply. 

Before You Apply

To be eligible, you must meet all three requirements:

  • Your property is located within Gold Ridge RCD’s district in western Sonoma County
  • You own the agriculture property or have an active lease agreement where the practices will be implemented
  • You are enrolled with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) — (not enrolled? You can still apply)

Not sure if you’re in our district? Check here or give us a call — we’ll let you know right away.

Rebate payments distributed by the County of  Sonoma:

  • Round 1 — Applications closed.
  • Round 2 — Applications open: Winter 2026

Note: Round 2 will include rebates for specialized equipment.

Conservation practices eligible for rebates are:

  • Compost Application (on-farm produced or purchased from certified facility)
  • Soil and/or Compost Testing (if implementing Compost Application)
  • Gypsum Application
  • Cover Crop Seeding
  • Pasture/Hay Planting
  • Range Seeding
  • Fencing (barbed or smooth wire or temporary/portable)
  • Hay Planting

Rebate Payment Details HERE

Interested in marketing? FILL OUT THIS FORM.

The application has now closed. If interested in applying for round two, please input your information below so we have a record of your information and can reach out with more details in late 2026.

Interest Form →

After you apply and are selected, a member of our team will reach out to schedule a site visit, discuss your project goals, and confirm next steps. Your exact rebate payment amount will be calculated during this project design phase.

Funding Source

This opportunity is made available through the USDA NRCS Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant. Multiple agencies and organizations have partnered to enhance the regional supply chain, build consumer awareness for healthy soil, and create resilient agricultural landscapes across the region.