California State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) supports California's efforts to combat climate change and improve water management by promoting more sustainable on-farm agricultural practices. Administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), SWEEP helps farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water through the adoption of advanced, climate-smart irrigation technologies. The program's mission is to support the long-term viability of California agriculture by encouraging practices that make farms more resilient to drought, lower their environmental footprint, and improve water and energy efficiency.

SWEEP provides financial assistance to implement on-farm irrigation improvements that reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Funding can be used to install or upgrade equipment and systems that improve irrigation efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Eligible practices include:

• Irrigation water management, including soil moisture monitoring, flow metering, and in-field Evapotranspiration (ET) stations

• Efficient irrigation system upgrades, such as drip irrigation

• Retrofitting existing systems to support lower-pressure components

• Pump repair or replacement

• Fuel efficiency changes to the pumping system, including renewable energy installation

Impact (as of July 2025): approximately 82% of SWEEP Program projects have been completed. 1,320 on-farm projects funded; $156 million awarded (including block grants); an estimated 1 million MTCO2 reduction over the expected lifespan of the projects. In April 2024, CDFA awarded 9 projects for the 2023 SWEEP Block Grant, totaling $42 million in grant funding.

The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) is not currently accepting applications from farmers and ranchers. CDFA is in the process of implementing a Block Grant model, which will expand access to funding through regional partners.

Funding is not yet open for on-farm applicants. Farmers and ranchers will be able to apply for funding at a later date through awarded Block Grant Recipients serving their region. CDFA will announce producer funding opportunities on the SWEEP webpage once Block Grant Recipients are selected and regional programs are launched.

Sign up for CDFA updates to be notified: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new