SACRAMENTO, May 18, 2015 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) begins accepting applications today, May 18, 2015, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), authorized by emergency drought legislation (Assembly Bill 91). An estimated $10 million will be available for competitive grant funding to provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. The funding is made available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the proceeds of California’s greenhouse gas Cap and Trade program.
Agricultural operations can apply for funding up to $150,000 per project. The funding can be supported by a broad range and/or combination of irrigation and water distribution-related practices 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 using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov.
Growers will be able to access the FAAST application system on May 18 at 8:00 a.m. PDT. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday June 29, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. CDFA will hold five 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 grants@cdfa.ca.gov with their contact information, number of seats required and workshop location.
SWEEP Application Workshops:
Tulare- June 2, 2015
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office
4437 S Laspina
Tulare, CA 93274
