Water Efficiency Grants Available for California Farmers

Farmers can apply to receive up to $200,000 to invest in irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save water. The payments are offered under California’s State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP).

Applications are due by August 5, 2016. Eligible applicants must be agricultural operations in California. Successful applications will reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and save water. Documentation of current and projected water and energy use is required in the application.

This year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering technical assistance to applicants through workshops scheduled across the state, with some offered in Hmong and Spanish.

Farmers may be eligible to receive payments to make the following improvements:

• Installing weather, soil, or plant-based sensors for irrigation scheduling
• Micro-irrigation or drip systems
• Converting fossil fuel-powered pumps to solar, wind, electric, or natural gas
• Retrofitting or replacing pumps to be more energy efficient
• Converting to or installing low pressure irrigation systems
• Use of Variable Frequency Drives
• Reducing pumping by improved irrigation scheduling

For more information on the SWEEP program, email grants@cdfa.ca.gov or call (916) 657-3231.