New Update! CDFA has opened the SWEEP application as of December 5th, 2023.  SWEEP applications are open until January 26th, 2024. Funding will be announced and awarded February 2024. 

What is SWEEP?

The CDFA's 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.

Funds and timeline: Farmers and ranchers can receive up to $200,000 and have 18 months to complete their projects.

Eligible practices include, but are not limited to:

• Installation of a variable frequency drive
• Pump retrofit or replacement
• Solar panels
• Soil moisture sensors
• Electronic weather station linked to irrigation controller
• Use of evapotranspiration (ET) based irrigation scheduling
• Conversion to micro-irrigation or drip irrigation
• Conversion to low-pressure irrigation system

How to Apply:

The grant process includes a web-based application consisting of a series of questions that can be saved and returned to before submitting.

Before you apply, you will need to gather three main pieces of information: 

1. A pump efficiency test. For more information on how and where to get a pump test, click here.
2. The last twelve months of your energy records.
3. Quotes from vendors for the costs of your project components and installation. 

Please note: The online application can be difficult, so we strongly encourage you reach out to your nearest UC Cooperative Extension specialist for help writing your application.

Here is the link for detailed SWEEP information:

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/

 Helpful Instruction:

• If you have all your paperwork ready to apply for SWEEP, there are tools under “Application Materials” to assist with the calculations you will need to complete the application.
• Your local technical assistance provider can help you navigate these tools.

 To apply

• Click the Apply button on the left side of the screen to enter the application.  It is recommended that you read the 2023 SWEEP Request for Grant Applications (RGA) and the 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
• You will need to create an account.  Make sure to write down your username and password.  If you need help with your application, you will have to share it.

Other Program Application Updates:

Healthy Soils Program (HSP)

• Applications have been pushed back to open in January of 2024.

Block Grant Pilot Programs with the Colusa Indian Community Counsel

• Set for opening applications in January of 2024.
• Planning to implement them come summer of 2024. 
• They will have SWEEP and HSP grants available and are specifically for Small Farms and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (SDFR).

More details coming soon.