A trio of ag industry companies are teaming up to help farmers with grant applications to help fund water efficiency technology.

Tule, HotSpot Ag, and Innovative Ag Services are hosting seminars throughout California to help growers successfully submit SWEEP applications. While last year’s applications have closed and this year’s application period has not been announced, there is a high likelihood a new grant period will open later this year.

The applications stand for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program through the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The program in 2021 awarded $43 million to 283 projects.

The program is intended to help growers save money on water and energy costs. Aside from estimating that growers could save more than 38 billion gallons of water annually, the program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The workshops will help teach growers about the program and grant application process. This is where Innovative Ag Services is involved. That company, according to Kendal Barton, spokesperson for Tule, will help growers write their grant applications. More information on Innovative Ag Services can be found online at https://www.innovativeag.net/

Barton said the expectation of new grant availability later this year is why Tule and the other companies are working with growers. The goal is to help them gather the appropriate records and order pump efficiency tests ahead of submitting their applications, she said. Through the events, growers will learn what they need to do prior to making their grant requests.

Workshops are slated for the following locations:

Registration is available online at https://www.tuletech.info/sweep-grants.