California Drought And Greenhouse Gas Programs Get Nearly $10 Million
September 29, 2015 The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has selected 100 projects totaling $9.38 million from the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) to implement on-farm water irrigation systems that reduce energy use resulting in greenhouse gas (GHGs) emission reductions and water savings.
SWEEP arises from emergency drought Legislation (SB 103) signed in early 2014 by Governor Jerry Brown. The SWEEP funding was reauthorized in 2015 under AB 91, which authorizes CDFA to distribute up to $10 million directly to agriculture operations for eligible projects.
SWEEP is funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and is administered in cooperation with Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board.
“It is critical to support our farmers and the diverse food supply we have in California, especially during this historic drought” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I am pleased to see this program continue and be in high demand, as is evident from being oversubscribed by 300%.”
The 100 selected projects will leverage an additional $4.6 million in private cost-share dollars. The money will support GHG emission reductions through projects that include water-efficiency modifications like drip and microsprinkler systems, energy-efficient water pumps, soil moisture sensors, and irrigation scheduling programs that apply water based on crop needs.
The SWEEP grants announced in 2014 allocated $8.4 million, with another $5.8 million in matching funds, for 133 different projects that reduced greenhouse gases and saved water.
The program is implemented under the CDFA Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation, which obtains its authority for such incentive programs through the Environmental Farming Act of 1995. The Act mandates the department to establish and oversee an Environmental Farming Program to provide incentives to farmers whose practices promote the well-being of ecosystem and air quality.
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