What is SWEEP?
The State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to agricultural operations that choose to update irrigations systems to conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program is administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
SWEEP launched in 2014 and has awarded $80.5 million in grants, funding 828 total projects to date. CDFA estimates that the annual water savings garnered through SWEEP equals 35 billion gallons, or about 70,000 Olympic swimming pools. Additionally, the program is estimated to have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 80,077 metric tons per year.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here.
What types of projects are funded?
Common projects include soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
You can find a more complete list of eligible projects by clicking here or check out the CDFA YouTube Channel for additional insight.
Need Help applying?
Mendocino County RCD is a Technical Assistance Provider for CDFA SWEEP. They can provide help with project design, navigating the application process, and answering any questions.
For more information contact:
Seth Myrick | Seth.Myrick@MCRCD.org | (707) 462-3664 ext. 110
Katie Smith | Katie.Smith@MCRCD.org | (707) 462-3664 ext. 100
Linda MacElwee | Linda.MacElwee@MCRCD.org | (707) 895-3230
More Resources
- Access slides from MCRCD’s CDFA SWEEP Informational Webinar hosted November 9th, 2021.
- Before you apply, read ‘Roadmap to SWEEP’, created by MCRCD in collaboration with the RCD of Greater San Diego County. The document summarizes eligibly requirements, provides an overview of the application process, and gives tips to applicants.
- Access the SWEEP Irrigation Water Savings Calculator and the SWEEP Greenhouse Gas Calculator.
