Last Call: San Joaquin Valley Growers Face Deadline for Tractor Replacement Program

Time is running out for growers across the San Joaquin Valley who are considering applying for funding to replace old agricultural equipment. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has announced a temporary suspension of new application intake for its Agricultural Equipment Replacement Program, effective 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

That means growers have until tomorrow to submit their paperwork – or miss out on one of the state’s most valuable incentive programs for cleaner, more efficient farm equipment. 

What Is the Tractor Replacement Program?

The Agricultural Equipment Replacement Program was designed to reduce air pollution in the Valley by helping growers upgrade from older diesel-powered tractors and equipment to cleaner, lower-emission models. Depending on your eligibility and equipment type, the program can cover up to 80% of the replacement cost – a massive incentive for operations looking to modernize. 

The program has become a critical tool in helping California agriculture meet tough air quality standards, particularly in regions like the San Joaquin Valley, where fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are among the highest in the nation. 

Why the Suspension?

According to the District, application intake will be temporarily paused beginning July 31 due to high demand and limited funding. All applications submitted before the deadline will remain active and will be processed as funding becomes available. However, late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances, and those submitted via mail must be postmarked by July 31 to be eligible. 

This isn’t a cancellation – it’s a pause – but there’s no clear timeline for when new applications might resume.

What Growers Should Do Now

If you’re even considering replacing older tractors or equipment in the near future, it’s worth submitting an application before the deadline. Here’s what to keep in mind: 

• July 31 at 5:00PM is the hard cutoff

• Mail-in applications must be postmarked (not just sent) by this time

• Digital submissions are encouraged for speed

• If you are unsure about your eligibility, many local equipment dealers are approved to assist with applications

  
  

Why It Matters

Programs like this aren’t just about compliance — they’re about staying competitive. Newer equipment typically means:

• Lower fuel and maintenance costs

• Improved operator comfort and safety 

• Longer-term regulator compliance 

With increased pressure from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and federal mandates to reduce agricultural emissions, growers who wait may face higher costs or stricter requirements down the road — without the benefit of this kind of funding support.

Looking Ahead

The suspension of new applications reflects the high demand for this program — and the growing interest among California ag operators in upgrading to cleaner technologies. For those who submit by the deadline, funding will be allocated as it becomes available, so early action matters.

The window is closing fast. Whether you're already planning an equipment upgrade or still on the fence, the time to act is now. Submit your application before 5:00 PM on July 31 to stay in the queue and take advantage of this rare opportunity to improve your operation while protecting the air we all breathe.