State Water Efficiency
& Enhancement Program
Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability
About
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) supports California’s efforts to combat climate change and improve water management by promoting more sustainable on-farm agricultural practices. Administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), SWEEP helps farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water through the adoption of advanced, climate-smart irrigation technologies.
The program’s mission is to support the long-term viability of California agriculture by encouraging practices that make farms more resilient to drought, lower their environmental footprint, and improve water and energy efficiency. SWEEP-funded projects align with the state’s broader goals of reducing emissions and protecting critical water resources in the face of ongoing climate change related challenges.
Financial Assistance
SWEEP provides financial assistance to implement on-farm irrigation improvements that reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Funding can be used to install or upgrade equipment and systems that improve irrigation efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Eligible practices include:
- Irrigation water management, including soil moisture monitoring, flow metering and in field Evapotranspiration (ET) station
- Efficient irrigation systems up grades, such as drip irrigation.
- Retrofitting existing systems to support lower pressure components
- Pump repair or replacement
- Fuel efficiency changes to the pumping system, including renewable energy installation
These improvements support growers in adopting innovative technologies that protect natural resources while sustaining crop yields.
Benefits: SWEEP empowers farmers to become more resource-efficient, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural industry. By helping producers invest in efficient irrigation infrastructure, the program strengthens California agriculture’s ability to thrive under changing environmental conditions.
SWEEP Block Grants
The SWEEP Block Grant’s allow CDFA to fund trusted regional partners—called Block Grant Recipients (BGRs). These BGRs partner and provide local technical assistance for interested farmers and ranchers. They further run an application solicitation, make project recommendations, set up agreements with local on-farm grant beneficiaries, and provide implementation assistance and support. These partners work directly with farmers and ranchers in their area to support water-efficient practices and report back to CDFA. The goal is to bring resources closer to the community and tailor support to local needs.
Impact
As of July 2025, approximately 82% of SWEEP Program projects have been completed.
Updates, Grants Status, and Funding
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is not currently accepting applications from farmers and ranchers.
CDFA is in the process of implementing a Block Grant model, which will expand access to funding through regional partners.
Current Status:
- In April 2026, CDFA will begin accepting Concept Proposals from eligible organizations to serve as Block Grant Recipients.
- These organizations will administer regional funding programs and provide technical assistance to producers.
What This Means for Producers:
- Funding is not yet open for on-farm applicants.
- Farmers and ranchers will be able to apply for funding at a later date through awarded Block Grant Recipients serving their region.
CDFA will announce producer funding opportunities on this webpage once Block Grant Recipients are selected and regional programs are launched.
Past Solicitations
- In April 2024, CDFA awarded 9 projects for the 2023 SWEEP Block Grant, totaling $42 million in grant funding. The list of awarded projects is available: 2023 SWEEP Block Grant Recipients
- For reference materials, applicant and awardee lists from past grant solicitations, visit the SWEEP Archives page.
Success Stories
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