This update includes information about two opportunities for conservation programs on fallow fields.
Application Period OPEN for conservation programs on fallow fields.
Program 1 — Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive ProgramÂ
NBHIP – Fallow Agriculture Program
This state program is administered by California Waterfowl Association (CWA).Â
The application period will be open until March 29, 2026 and must be filled out on the CWA Website.Â
This program provides an incentive for farmers that are willing to delay the termination of the vegetation in fallow agricultural fields until July 15th or later. Eligible fields must have vegetation on over 60% of the field with an average height of at least 8 inches by April 1st.Â
Acceptable nesting cover includes planted cover crops or volunteer vegetation.Â
The program is compatible with water transfers and prevented planting insurance.
Payment rates are $30/acre for fields with suitable volunteer vegetation and $110/acre for fields with established planted cover crops.
For questions, please contact Jason Coslovich at (408) 644-3525 or coslovich@calwaterfowl.orgÂ
Program 2 – Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)Â
RCPP – Nesting Cover practice
This federal program is administered by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).Â
The application period will be open until April 10, 2026 and to apply you must visit your local NRCS office.
This program provides an incentive for farmers that are willing to delay the termination of the vegetation in fallow agricultural fields until July 15th or later. Eligible fields must have vegetation on over 60% of the field with an average height of at least 8 inches by April 10th.Â
Acceptable nesting cover includes planted cover crops or volunteer vegetation.Â
The program is compatible with water transfers and prevented planting insurance.
Payment rates vary but are approximately $30/acre
For questions, please contact your local NRCS office AND Kristin Sesser at (916) 607-8988 or ksesser@calrice.org