Compost Cost-Share Program for Farmers & Ranchers

SB 1383 is California’s climate law designed to cut methane emissions by keeping organic materials—like food scraps and yard clippings—out of landfills. To meet this goal, every city and county in California must purchase and distribute compost, mulch, or renewable natural gas in amounts tied to their population size.

This Placer RCD pilot program helps the City of San Mateo meet these procurement targets while making compost more accessible and affordable for local farmers and ranchers. This project is a partnership between the City of San Mateo and Placer RCD.

This program provides an opportunity for Placer County Farmers and Ranchers to access compost to help with nutrient cycling, boost biology, build soil structure, and improve infiltration and water holding capacity. Compost can be used on:

Rangeland (for restoration or degraded soil)
Cropland
Orchards
Vineyards
Pastures

Successful applicants will receive up to $65 per ton in cost-share assistance—covering most, if not all, of the compost and delivery costs directly to your farm or ranch. (Note: cost for spreading is not covered under this program). The Placer RCD must source compost from approved compost facilities that are certified by the state of California.

Criteria

Minimum Delivery: Each recipient must be able to accept a minimum of 20 tons of compost (Roughly 40 cubic yards). Ideal 3-acre minimum.
First Come, First Served: Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received until 2026 funds have been exhausted.
Farm Business Requirement: Recipients must be actively engaged in the business of farming or ranching.
Maximum Delivery: No single farm or ranch business may receive more than 120 tons of compost (sufficient for approximately 20 acres).
Priority for Small Farms: This program aims to reserve 700 tons of compost to be allocated to producers with 25 acres or less in production.
Access Requirement: Compost will be delivered via transfer trucks or end dump trucks. Compost delivery trucks must be able to access the desired location for the compost pile and safely reverse into the location, or turn around to exit the property.
No Double Dipping: Farmers who are currently enrolled in a cost-share program for compost are not eligible for this program.
No Rejections: Once compost is delivered on site, it cannot be returned or refused.
Location: Compost is only to be applied in within the Placer RCD service area (most of Placer County).
Final Determination: Placer RCD reserves the right to make the final decision on recipient eligibility and allocation.