Sacramento, California - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will begin accepting applications today, June 20, 2016, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). An estimated $18 million will be available for competitive grant funding to provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water at California agricultural operations.
This project is part of the California Climate Investments, which use proceeds from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.
Agricultural operations can apply for funding of up to $200,000 per project for irrigation projects that provide quantifiable water savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
Prospective applicants must access the “Application Guidelines” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/SWEEP for detailed information on eligibility and program requirements. To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov . Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday August 5, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.
CDFA will hold four application workshops to provide information on program requirements and the FAAST application process (see below). CDFA staff will provide guidance on the application process, provide several examples and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with his or her contact information, number of seats required and the workshop location. CDFA has also prepared informational video clips to assist applicants with the 2016 SWEEP application. These video clips can be viewed on the SWEEP webpage.
SWEEP Application Workshops:
Yolo County
June 22, 2016 (Wednesday) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
•Yolo County Farm Bureau
Conference Room 1st Floor,
69 West Kentucky Ave.
Woodland, CA 95695
Imperial County
June 23, 2016 (Thursday) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
•Imperial County Farm Bureau
Conference Room 1st Floor
1000 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243
San Luis Obispo County
June 27, 2016 (Monday) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
•San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Board Room
4875 Morabito Place
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Fresno County
June 29, 2016 (Wednesday) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
•American Pistachio Growers
Conference Room
9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93720