County Provides Nearly $200,000 to Local Farmers to Promote Climate Resilience

The County of Santa Clara has awarded $196,707 to 17 family farms and ranches through its innovative Agricultural Resilience Incentive (ARI) Grant Program for the 2025 cycle, helping local farmers adopt climate-smart practices across more than 117 acres of farmland. 

Now in its fifth year, the ARI Grant Program recognizes and rewards farmers and ranchers working to make Santa Clara County’s agricultural lands more resilient to drought, heat, and changing climate conditions. Launched by the County Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Agriculture, the program provides up to $30,000 per recipient for practices such as compost and mulch application, managed grazing, and other climate-friendly practices. These conservation practices mitigate greenhouse gasses, improve soil health, capture carbon from the air, and help farmland retain water, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of local agriculture.

“Santa Clara County is a leader in policies that protect farmland, strengthen local economies, and promote environmental stewardship,” said County Agricultural Commissioner Priscilla Yeaney. “ARI Grants allow us to partner with local farmers and provide them with the tools to help fight climate change right in their fields.”

The County received more than 25 competitive applications this year, reflecting growing local interest in climate-smart farming.

"Each applicant represents the innovation and determination that define Santa Clara County's agricultural community," said Julie Morris, the County's agricultural liaison. "The success of this program has become a model for sustainable land management and climate action."

Past recipients shared how these funds are helping them turn environmental goals into everyday practices.

“For a small farmer working hard to build healthy soil, this support arrived like a godsend at just the right time,” said Durgaprasad Ala, owner of Dil Farm in Gilroy. “The funds gave me confidence to experiment with cover crops and compost — natural ways to improve soil. It’s inspired me to share what I’ve learned with other growers who also want to farm sustainably.”

“The grant made it possible to apply compost across 34 acres of pasture, which is about 26 football fields,” said Ligimol Kedongaparambil, owner of Shillingsburg Farm in San José. “Through collaboration with the County, we were able to purchase enough quality compost at an affordable price from the local composting facility, which happens to be made up of yard trimmings collected from households throughout the County.” 

Their stories illustrate how local agriculture, often thought of as a quiet industry in present day Santa Clara County, is in fact a frontline partner in climate action.

“Our farmers and ranchers are the foundation of our valley,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas. “Every acre improved through this program strengthens not only our food system, but also the health and well-being of Santa Clara County families.”