The California Department of Food and Agriculture posted a webinar last week to answer questions for potential State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) applicants. This provides a crash course in the basics related to the SWEEP grant. These funds are intended to help growers conserve water and reduce emissions, which includes a wide range of possible projects. Projects must be valued at $100,000 or less.
I would strongly encourage any growers looking to upgrade their irrigation systems, maintain pumps, monitor their soil moisture, improve remote sensing, or undertake any other related project to apply. Applications this year are due by 5pm on March 14th, 2017. These grants are given out annually, so any projects that aren't accepted this year can be resubmitted next year following requisite changes.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions or would be interested in discussing possible project ideas.
More information on the the application process can be found here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/.