Are you a grower interested in adopting soil moisture monitoring practices, drip or low pressure irrigation systems, and pump retrofits (among many other tools and strategies) to reduce on-farm water and energy use? Then you should check out the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) grant program (applications are due March 8th 2019 by 5 pm PST).
The text below is directly from the state's website (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/):
What is SWEEP?
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations.
How many projects have been funded so far?
CDFA has made grant awards to 614 projects covering over 113,994 acres. $62.7 million has been awarded to date, with more than $40.8 million in matching funds contributed by awardees.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
What have been the benefits of SWEEP?
Along with helping farmers and ranchers save water and reduce their energy costs, SWEEP results in environmental benefits as well. CDFA estimates that over 75,368 metric tons of CO2e will be reduced annually, the equivalent of removing 16,139 cars from the road for one year (based on emissions reductions equivalent). Moreover, SWEEP projects will help save over 101,050 acre-ft of water water annually, enough to fill 50,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions about SWEEP, please e-mail cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov.
Application information can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/docs/2018_SWEEP_RGA.pdf
A video describing the application process can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05_SnluVzcc
Frequently asked questions are addressed here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/docs/2018_SWEEP_FAQ.pdf