California Department of Food and Agriculture

State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program

CDFA is now accepting public comment on the Draft 2018 SWEEP Request for Applications.

• Draft SWEEP 2018 Request for Applications

CDFA will hold 3 listening sessions at the end of August to provide information on how to comment on the DRAFT RGAs and answer questions related to the programs.

Comments regarding the DRAFT RGAs can be submitted to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Listening sessions are scheduled for:

Northern California – August 30, 2018, 9:00 am to noon
Butte County Farm Bureau
2580 Feather River Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965

Southern California – August 31, 2018, 9:00 am to noon
Imperial County Farm Bureau
1000 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243

Central California – September 4, 2018, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fresno County Farm Bureau
1274 W. Hedges Ave.
Fresno, CA 93728

Webinar participation will also be available on September 4 for those unable to travel to any of the listening sessions in person. To register for the September 4 webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/519454765226725891

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.