Apr 12, 2023CDFA opens applications for water efficency program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting applications for its Water Efficiency Technical Assistance program.
The 2021 state budget appropriated $15 million for the WETA program, which funds irrigation water efficiency and nutrient management technical assistance grants to agricultural operations for on-farm water and energy use efficiency and nutrient management.
CDFA will award up to $14.25 million to eligible organizations to provide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers through one or more of the program’s three objectives:
- Â Provide on-farm irrigation system evaluations.
- Coordinate or provide pump efficiency testing.
- Provide training on water use efficiency and nutrient management practices and technology.
Resource conservation districts, University of California and California State University campuses, California community colleges, nonprofits, and federally and state-recognized Native American tribes are eligible to apply for up to $500,000 for a maximum grant term of three years.
Applications are due June 6 at 5 p.m. CDFA will host an application webinar during the application period to provide an overview of the program requirements and application process.
To register for the webinar and to review application materials, visit the program website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/technical/weta.html