The California Department of Food and Agriculture is accepting grant applications for the 2017 State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). The program’s objective is to provide financial incentives to California agricultural operations to invest in irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and save water.
Up to $4.5 million is available statewide with a maximum grant award of $100,000 per agricultural operation. There is no match requirement, but additional consideration will be given to applicants who include a 50% match. The maximum duration for any proposed project is twelve months.
Eligible projects must reduce GHG emissions and reduce water use. Example project types include: weather, soil, or plant based sensors for irrigation scheduling, micro-irrigation drip systems, fuel conversion, improved efficiency of pumps, low pressure systems, variable frequency drives, and reduced pumping.
Technical assistance with non-profit organizations, California academic institutions and California Resource Conservation Districts are available to provide SWEEP applicants with hands-on application assistance. Several technical assistance workshops will be held throughout the state beginning February 13 to March 13, 2017. Please check the CDFA website listed here for a schedule of the workshops.
Applications are due via the FAAST application process by 5pm PST on March 14, 2017. The grant application materials are listed below:
2017 SWEET Request for Grant Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing a 2017 SWEEP Application
For general questions regarding the SWEEP program, please contact the CDFA at grants@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 657-3231.
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