Incentives Available For Low-Emission Harvesters
February 10, 2016 Almond and walnut growers who use lower-emission harvesting equipment may be eligible for financial incentives.
Beginning this year, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is offering a new incentive option for almond and walnut growers to use cleaner harvesting technology.
Carlos Suarez, state conservationist for NRCS in California, says eligible farmers may receive $10.52 per acre for up to three years to adopt harvesters that have been certified through peer-review research trials to reduce particulate matter by at least 30%.
The trials were supported by a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) and the San Joaquin Valley Air District, and, according to the Almond Board of California, build on Almond Board-funded research on reducing harvest dust emissions.
CIG grants are designed to stimulate the development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies. “In this case, the CIG grants have functioned precisely as intended to bring California farmers new opportunities to protect natural resources,” Suarez says.
The incentive is funded through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and information on the specific models of harvesters currently covered by the program can be obtained at NRCS Service Centers.
Applications are taken year-round at all NRCS field offices. Interested growers should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible. Eligible projects will be periodically evaluated and prioritized for funding.
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