As expected, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) officially began accepting applications for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) on October 21. Applications are due by 5:00pm on December 16.
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. Approximately $7 million is available for this round of applications.
Free Technical Assistance Available
Nearly 40 technical assistance providers are available to help interested farmers learn more about the program and assist them with their applications. Find the one closest to you by checking out these two lists:
Interested farmers can also attend one of 14 SWEEP workshops put on by those providers, the first of which takes place early next week.
For more information, visit the CDFA SWEEP website.
