News Brief
Today, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP) announced a call for concept proposals in preparation for the qualified cultivator funding opportunity.
The Qualified Cultivator Funding Opportunity, Proposal Solicitation Notice is scheduled for release in fall of this year and will be open for applying until spring of 2023. Applications will be approved on a scheduled basis, according to CDFW.
“We expect our new qualified cultivator program will help with remediation projects that may be unaffordable for many smaller cultivators, and also promote environmentally sustainable practices,” said Jeremy Valverde, CDFW’s Cannabis Program Director. “We hope this support will help cultivators progress from provisional to annual license status.”
Many legacy cannabis farmers in California have had a difficult time embracing the state’s system of cannabis regulation, which began in 2016 when California voters legalized cannabis for adult use.
While funding is not directly paid to cultivators, it can be secured through eligible applicants, which include non-profits, government agencies or tribes.
“This is a great opportunity to assist our local small cannabis farms in overcoming the financial barriers that many face on the road to compliance,” said Peggy Murphy, Economic Development Specialist, County of Humboldt. “I look forward to hearing more about this funding opportunity, participating in the solicitation process and helping members of our cannabis community access this valuable resource.”
More information about the concept consultation and funding priorities can be found in the Concept Consultation Request Overview (PDF).
Grants through the CRGP are funded through California’s Environmental Restoration and Protection Account pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 34019(f)(2), and may be used to fund the cleanup, remediation, and restoration of environmental damage in watersheds affected by cannabis cultivation and related activities, and to support local partnerships for this purpose.
