Manuel Cunha of the Nisei Farmers League says ag emissions have burned 30% cleaner since 1998.
"That emission goes from this to something so small, and the reductions are fast," he said. "Fourteen thousand tractors have been replaced in the Valley."
Growers pay a portion of the replacement tractor, so small farmers with under 100 acres can get 80% of a new tractor covered.
With funds running out, the Valley Air District let farmers know the program would be halted.
"We received just over 2,000 applications since we let the dealers and the ag community know that we were going to be temporarily shutting down the program, the application process," says Todd DeYoung, Valley Air District Grants Director.
The tractor replacement program has received close to $500 million since 2017.
"This year, obviously, things are tight, and so we are very hopeful that we are going to be receiving funding in this year's budget," DeYoung said.
"To make this program happen, it requires funds from the state," Cunha said. "It is the most cost-effective per ton program out there."
DeYoung says it's gotten tougher to secure funds over the past few years, but notes the Valley air improvement has been clear.
"It's an immediate benefit you see in the reduction of harmful pollutants, which is NOx and particulate matter," he said.
The program even expanded to include funding to replace old harvesting equipment.
The Valley Air District says it plans to keep working with the governor's office and state legislature in hopes of securing more funds for the program's future.
For news updates, follow Dale Yurong on Facebook and Twitter.