Rice Incentive Program

The Sacramento‑San Joaquin Delta Conservancy is offering the Rice Incentive Program to fund conversion of row‑crop fields to rice on highly organic soils within the legal Delta. The grant aims to halt subsidence, cut greenhouse‑gas emissions, keep land agriculturally viable below sea level, and create overwinter habitat for birds. Funding will be awarded to 2‑3 nonprofit, public‑agency, or tribal entities that will partner with farmers, covering high upfront conversion costs and providing technical assistance throughout the project. • Eligible applicants: nonprofit organizations, public agencies, tribal governments. • Geographic scope: the California Delta (legal Delta). • Total available funding: $3,508,642 with 2‑3 awards. • Application deadline: 30 Oct 2026; award announcement expected March 2027. • Funding method: reimbursement; no matching funds required. • Project focus: rice conversion on soils with high carbon content to address subsidence and climate goals.