California is the nation’s leading agricultural producer by total receipts, generating over $50 billion in 2019, far exceeding the number two leading state of Iowa ($27.5 billion). By sheer size and productivity, California has significant potential to contribute to working lands conservation efforts.

However, climate change, diminishing soil health, low implementation of conservation efforts, and lack of knowledge and/or access to information, training, and assistance with systems-based agricultural management have left us less resilient and more vulnerable to economic and environmental threats.

The Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) at Chico State has developed this Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) Certification Program to support the expansion of systems-based farm, ranch, and forest management practices on California working lands, and foster conversation and innovative, collaborative strategies to address current and future threats and opportunities for California agricultural production.

TAP Certification

If you are looking to refresh your knowledge with the most current information and research on regenerative agriculture, are already a conservation planner or hoping to become a conservation planner, this program could be valuable for you. With a TAP certificate from CRARS, you will be able to act as a conservation planner for several USDA programs, including RCPP and Climate Smart Commodities, state programs, including CDFA HSP, and private organizations interested in funding different types of conservation plans, such as carbon farm plans.

For more information about the program, including course details, dates, eligibility, scholarship options, and more, visit the program website or use the form on this page to submit a question.

Course Registration

Regenerative Agriculture Systems: Theory and Practice

Course Dates: Aug 27–Oct 4, 2024
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: August 16, 2024 

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course fee: $650

Introduction to Soil Health Management

Course Dates: Oct 15–Nov 22, 2024
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: October 8, 2024

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course Fee: $650

Ecological Range Management and Adaptive Grazing

Course Dates: Feb 11–Mar 21, 2025
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: TBA

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course fee: $650

Pollinator Habitat (Optional Elective)

Course Dates: Jan 6–Jan 31, 2025
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: TBA

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course Fee: $500

Regenerative Forestry (Optional Elective)

Course Dates: Apr 8–May 2, 2025
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: TBA

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course Fee: $500

Whole Farm/Ranch Planning & Design

Course Dates: Jul 22–Aug 29, 2025
Live-Online Discussions: Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m.
Registration Deadline: TBA

• Online, asynchronous lectures and coursework
• Live-online discussion/collaboration time held Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
• Course Fee: $650

Refund Policy

If you need to drop, the following policies apply:

• Drop before the course has started, 100% refund less $15 processing fee
• Drop on the first day through the end of the first week, 65% refund
• Drop after the first week, No refund

Student Resources

• IT Support Services
• Chico State Portal
• Canvas Tutorials
• Campus Directory for instructor and campus information