The Utah Pollinator Habitat Program grant has closed for the 2026 season. According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the program is not accepting late applications at this time.
The next application period for the program is scheduled to open on March 1, 2027. Individuals interested in updates are encouraged to follow the program's social media pages.
The program was established following the passage of House Bill 224 by the Utah legislature in March 2021, which tasked the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food with creating a three-year pilot program to improve pollinator habitat. In 2025, HB 251 was passed by the legislature, making the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program a permanent fixture. This amendment increased the program's cost-share from 25 percent to up to 75 percent of expenses related to planting pollinator-friendly native species.
The program aims to increase available pollinator habitat throughout Utah, enhance existing landscapes to improve pollen and nectar resources, and provide better connectivity between habitats. Other goals include increasing access to native seed resources and increasing public awareness and involvement state-wide.
Pollinators play a vital role in the agricultural industry, local economies, and the health of ecosystems. Many pollinator species, including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, have experienced declines due to factors such as habitat loss, changing climate, disease, and pesticide use.
The program provides grants to residents to cover a portion of the costs for planting pollinator-friendly native plants or seeds on private or public land within Utah. Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutes, commercial entities, Native American tribes, wildlife preserves, and land trusts.
