The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), authorized by emergency drought legislation (Senate Bill 103). An estimated $10 million in competitive grant funding will be awarded to provide financial assistance to agricultural operations for implementation of water conservation measures that result in increased water efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

CDFA is utilizing the funding to establish a grant program called the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, which is aimed at increased water conservation by improving water management and efficiencies on farms while at the same time reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficiency. Water conservation will play an important role in helping the agricultural sector address current drought conditions and the impact on our food supply.

Applicants must access the Application Guidelines for detailed information 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 using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov .

 

Applications must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. PST.  Prospective applicants may contact CDFA’s Grants Office at grants@cdfa.ca.gov with general program questions. The website drought.ca.gov has current information about how California is dealing with the effects of the drought.

Article written by Rob Neenan, President/CEO, California League of Food Processors