The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting grant applications for the Sustainable California Grown Cannabis pilot study. This grant solicitation is being conducted to fund projects throughout California to help determine best management practices for outdoor cannabis cultivation.

Applications are due on Friday, Dec. 30, at 5 p.m. PT.

Senate Bill (SB) 170 (Skinner, The Budget Act of 2021, Chapter 240, Statute of 2021) appropriates $9 million for CDFA to establish the pilot program. Eligible entities may request up to $2,500,000 to fund in-field studies over a maximum 3-year period that investigate and analyze best management practices, or BMPs, for sustainable outdoor cannabis cultivation. The program requires that funding be allocated to licensed outdoor cannabis growers.

Funds awarded through this competitive grant process will be distributed to eligible entities throughout the state to conduct in-field studies on practices that reduce the environmental impact of outdoor cannabis cultivation. Eligible entities include non-profits, Resource Conservation Districts, federal and California-recognized Native American Indian Tribes, and both public and private academic institutions.

CDFA will hold one online webinar-based workshop to provide information on the requirements and the application process for this solicitation.
•         When: Friday, November 18, 2022: 10 – 11:30 a.m. PT 
•         Register in advance for this webinar.

Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Environmental issues

One of the primary goals of regulating cannabis in California is to help address many of the environmental issues primarily associated with its illicit cultivation, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land degradation, soil contamination, pesticide misuse, and illegal water diversions.

Historically, the federal prohibition of cannabis has hindered research and data collection associated with cultivation. This study will help identify and address environmental issues in the licensed cannabis industry and uplift best practices that can be replicated throughout the state.

A description of the Sustainable California Grown Cannabis Pilot Program and links to application materials can be found here.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture