The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is a grant funding opportunity offered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and administered by the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI). The program's objective is to incentive California agricultural operations to implement and update irrigation systems with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saving water. Some eligible project components include pump retrofits, adding a variable frequency drive, moving to a drip irrigation system, or installing renewable energy such as solar.

Historically, eligible agricultural operations can apply for up to $200,000 and have 18-24 months to complete their project. Funds are dispersed through quarterly reimbursements and producers can request 25% of the grant award upfront. California farmers, ranchers and California Native American tribes are eligible to apply, and California agricultural operations are defined as, “…row, vineyard, field and tree crops, commercial nurseries, nursery stock production, and greenhouse operations producing food crops or flowers as defined in Food and Agricultural Code section 77911.”

To have a competitive grant application, proposed projects should include both water savings and GHG emissions reduction. Strategies for water saving includes tools for irrigation scheduling like use of soil moisture sensors, and irrigation system changes such adding flow meters and converting to a more water efficient irrigation method. Strategies for GHG emission reduction include pump fuel conversion, improving the energy efficiency of pumps and adding variable frequency drives, low pressure systems, and reducing pumping through water savings strategies. Both water savings and GHG reductions calculations will be submitted as part of the application as supporting documentation.

Are you interested in applying for SWEEP funding? Reach out to your local Community Education Specialist for assistance: