Incentive funds are now available to assist growers in transitioning to alternative practices for orchard removal.
A new incentive program is available through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to assist growers in phasing-out the open burning through the use of new cleaner practices, including the chipping of material for incorporation into the soil and other alternatives.
Citrus growers are eligible to receive up to $600 per acre for chipping with offsite beneficial reuse or with soil incorporation onsite, or $300 per acre for chipping without soil incorporation onsite. Growers with less than 100 total acres in the San Joaquin Valley are eligible for an additional $100 per acre.
The California Air Resources Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control district have approved a strategy to comply with a legislative mandate prohibiting the practice of open agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley by January 1, 2025.
Alternatives to burning can be costly and difficult to implement, particularly for smaller operations. CCM strongly encourages growers to evaluate their redevelopment plans now and take advantage of this incentive program while it is available.
Funding is also available for existing chipping contractors and agricultural operations interested in expanding their fleets.
For more information and to apply for incentive funds, go to www.valleyair.org/AgBurnAlternatives or call the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District at (559) 230-6000.
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