Pollinator Habitat Program (PHP)

Funding Available NOW!

The Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) in partnership with Cachuma RCD (CRCD), Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Santa Barbara Botanical Garden (SBBG) are offering reimbursements up to $200,000 for the implementation of pollinator habitat on agricultural landscapes that meet pre-approved NRCS practice standards. Working together, we will help farmers and ranchers in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to install habitat and implement management practices that support pollinators.

 

The Buzz about Pollinators

Pollinators are essential to many of California’s crops as well as to our state’s diverse natural ecosystems. Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction, pesticides, disease, and climate change, pollinator populations have drastically declined. Agricultural and working land can be a native habitat haven that strengthens pollinator populations and health.

On-Farm Project Eligibility

  • On-farm projects must be located on a California agricultural operation.
    • For the purpose of this program, an agricultural operation is defined as row, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and livestock and livestock product operations.
  • University and research farms are not eligible on-farm project sites.
 
 
On-Farm Project Selection Prioritization
  • In selecting on-farm projects VCRCD and its partners will consider, among other factors, CDFA’s priority groups (specifically SDFRs), farmer/rancher commitment (financial commitment and ongoing maintenance of habitat), pollinator species of regional concern, and appropriate project siting.
    • SDFRs – Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers. 
  • California farmers and ranchers, including but not limited to BIMPOC (Black, Indigenous, Multiracial, and People of Color), LGBTQ+, women, and veterans are highly encouraged to apply.

Practices Eligible for Funding

The following Conservation Practice Standards (CPS) have been identified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to have a Purpose or Resource Concern that includes provision of habitat for pollinators or increases/enhances biodiversity and have implementation guidelines for pollinators.

All practices listed below must make use of plant species that support pollinators.

Pre-Approved practices which meet NRCS standards include and are not limited to:

The full list of PHP practices, implementation guidelines, reimbursement rates, and verification requirements can be found here.

Interested in PHP for agricultural land?

Start the PHP application process by filling out our intake form linked below. 

Due to the heavy interest, there is no guarantee a project will be funded.

Click here