Emma Torbert of Cloverleaf Farm estimates their SWEEP-funded solar panels save them $6,000 per year. They also use their SWEEP-funded soil moisture sensors to deficit irrigate for tastier fruit.
SWEEP Application Period to Open Soon
Another application period for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is expected to open on October 21. SWEEP provides cost-share grants of up to $100,000 to growers to install more efficient irrigation systems, including subsurface drip irrigation, solar-powered pumps, and remote soil moisture monitoring equipment. These irrigation system improvements can increase farmers’ yields while reducing their energy and water costs. They can also improve fertilizer and weed management by helping farmers apply water more precisely when and where their crops need it.
According to a presentation released yesterday by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which administers the program, approximately $7 million dollars will be available and no changes have been made to the previous round’s Request for Grant Applications, which is still available online along with other application resources.
Since 2014, SWEEP has funded more than 700 projects in the state. For more background on the SWEEP program, including profiles of farmer recipients, a program fact sheet, and two CalCAN reports on the program, check out CalCAN’s SWEEP webpage.
For official program information and to sign up for CDFA email notifications related to SWEEP, go to CDFA’s SWEEP webpage.
