CDFA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS TO PROVIDE WORKSHOPS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS PARTICIPATING IN THE STATE WATER EFFICIENCY AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (SWEEP)

SACRAMENTO, May 9, 2016 – CDFA will begin accepting applications today from non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts for grant funds to provide technical assistance to applicants  for grants from the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP).

Applicants may apply for funding between $2,500 and $5,000. Applications must meet several minimum requirements including holding at least one technical assistance workshop within a disadvantaged community, reporting on workshop attendance to CDFA, and providing computers and internet access to allow growers to complete SWEEP applications.

Technical assistance will be made available through a $50,000 partnership grant between CDFA and the  USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to achieve the mutual objective of providing technical assistance to SWEEP applicants. Technical assistance workshops that provide hands-on application assistance are critical to the success of SWEEP and the implementation of efficient irrigation systems to save water and reduce greenhouse gases.

Organizations that wish to receive funding to provide technical assistance must access the “Request for Applications” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/SWEEP.  The Request for Applications contains detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. Applications must be submitted by email no later than May 20, 2016, 5:00 p.m. PST. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis beginning today.

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