Grower Resources
Funding programs, research, and practical guides for Central Valley growers
Farming in California's Central Valley means navigating a shifting landscape of grant programs, research, and regulations. We've assembled the resources our customers ask about most -- from cost-share funding that can offset orchard removal and soil-health work, to the university research and industry guides growers rely on. Every link below opens the official source. If you'd like a hand applying any of these programs to your operation, give us a call.
Grants & Funding
State and federal programs that can help offset the cost of orchard removal, soil health, and conservation work. We've helped hundreds of growers navigate these opportunities.
NRCS EQIP
Federal cost-shareThe Natural Resources Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers cost-share funding for conservation practices, including land clearing tied to resource concerns such as soil health and air quality. Applications are accepted year-round with periodic funding cycles.
Visit nrcs.usda.govSan Joaquin Valley Air District
Burn alternativeThe Valley Air District offers incentive programs for whole orchard removal as an alternative to open burning. Grinding and chipping qualifies as an approved disposal method under their agricultural burn alternatives program, helping growers reduce smoke and meet air-quality requirements.
Visit valleyair.orgCDFA Healthy Soils Program
State incentiveThe California Department of Food and Agriculture's Healthy Soils Program provides incentives for practices that improve soil health, including whole orchard recycling -- where chipped material from a removed orchard is incorporated back into the soil to build organic matter and sequester carbon.
Visit cdfa.ca.gov/healthysoilsResearch & Guides
University research and industry expertise on orchard establishment, varieties, irrigation, pest management, and more.
UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center
UC Davis's go-to hub for science-based information on almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other tree crops -- including variety data, rootstock selection, planting density, and orchard management research.
Visit fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.eduThe Almond Doctor
Practical, field-tested advice from farm advisor David Doll, covering almond horticulture, irrigation, nutrition, and disease management. A favorite among Central Valley growers for clear, actionable guidance.
Visit thealmonddoctor.comAlmond Board of California
The Almond Board funds and publishes production research, sustainability programs, and best-practice guides for almond growers -- including resources on whole orchard recycling, water efficiency, and integrated pest management.
Visit almonds.comOur In-Depth Guides
We've drawn on 50+ years of Central Valley field experience to write these comprehensive guides for growers planning their next project.
The Complete Guide to Orchard Removal in the Central Valley
Everything growers need to know about pushing, grinding, biomass, grant programs, and preparing your field for what comes next.
Read the guideAlmond Orchard Development Guide
From land preparation and deep ripping to variety selection, spacing, and establishment -- a step-by-step roadmap for planting a new almond orchard.
Read the guidePlease note: Outbound links lead to third-party organizations and government agencies. Program eligibility, funding levels, and deadlines change frequently -- always confirm current details directly with the administering agency. Custom Farm Services is not affiliated with these organizations, but we're glad to help you understand how a program applies to your project.
Request a Free Estimate
Planning a project that might qualify for one of these programs? Get a no-obligation quote -- we respond within 24 hours.
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What Our Clients Say
Trusted by growers across the Central Valley
"Custom Farm Services did an outstanding job removing our old almond orchard. The crew was professional, efficient, and left the field clean and ready for replanting. They handled everything from pushing to grinding and even coordinated the chip hauling. Highly recommend them to any grower in the Valley."
Dante Rojas
Ballico, CA
"We've used Custom Farm Services for three separate orchard removals over the past five years. Each time, they showed up on time, worked quickly, and delivered exactly what they promised. They also helped us navigate the Air District grant paperwork, which saved us a significant amount. These guys know what they're doing."
Kuldip Dola
Livingston, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about grants and resources for Central Valley growers
What grant programs can help pay for orchard removal?
Does Custom Farm Services help with grant applications?
Where can I find unbiased research on almond and nut crops?
What is whole orchard recycling?
Are these grant programs still accepting applications?
Have Questions About a Program?
We'll help you understand how these grants and resources apply to your project -- and get you a free estimate. Our team is ready to help.