APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR CDFA STATE WATER EFFICIENCY AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

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SACRAMENTO, December 5, 2023 – CDFA is now accepting applications from farmers and ranchers for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), a competitive grant program that incentivizes farmers to invest in irrigation water and energy efficiency. Agricultural operations can apply for up to $200,000 for projects that save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   

Projects funded through SWEEP commonly include technologies such as soil, plant, or weather sensors; micro-irrigation systems; pump retrofits or replacements; renewable energy; and variable frequency drives. 

“Amid unpredictable and extreme swings in weather, water conservation remains a top priority here in California,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “These investments also facilitate greenhouse gas reductions as well as adaptation strategies for farmers and ranchers contending with climate change impacts.” 

The application window will end on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST. CDFA will award at least 25 percent of funding to projects submitted by socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFR). 

“Applying for SWEEP can be transformative for first-time applicants as it opens the doors to technical service (TA) providers, documentation of the farm’s current irrigation infrastructure, exposure to irrigation efficiency technologies, and most importantly detailing the bottom-line water and energy savings,” said Dr. Jeff Dlott, Chair of the CDFA Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel. “Applicants and awardees gain valuable experience and know-how applying for and managing incentive programs with CDFA and other local, regional, State, and Federal entities that offer incentives to farmers, typically with the help of no-cost TA providers.” 

A list of CDFA-contracted technical assistance providers across California is available on the SWEEP webpage. These organizations are available to provide no-cost application assistance to farmers who would like to apply for a SWEEP award. CDFA will host two application webinars to review program requirements and the application process. Potential applicants should review the application materials and register to attend a webinar by visiting the SWEEP webpage at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep. 

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