Rice Incentive Program

Fund rice conversion projects on areas with highly organic soils in the Delta. The goal of the Rice Incentive Program is to fund rice conversion projects on areas with highly organic soils in the Delta to 1) stop or reverse ongoing subsidence, 2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 3) maintain agricultural viability of land below sea level, and 4) provide overwintering habitat for resident and migratory birds. Rice projects should occur only on soils with a high percentage of carbon within the deeply subsided portion of the Delta. The Program is intended to support farmers, including historically underserved farmers, who otherwise cannot convert their fields to rice due to inability to pay or finance high upfront conversion costs. The Program will provide funding to two or three eligible entities that will work with farmers to convert their existing row crops to rice. Eligible entities include Federal, State and local public agencies including special districts and joint powers authorities and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The selected eligible 2 entities must also provide technical assistance on rice farming, field conversion, and other related practices to enrolled farmers during the program.