Managing both water and energy resources is vital to the success of Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California Farmer of the YearManaging both water and energy resources is vital to the success of Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Still Time to Act on Agriculture Rebate Offer

/in , , /by

Calling all farmers! The Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program (AIEP) offers local farmers rebates to improve their on-farm irrigation system efficiencies.

Program participants who implement the recommended site improvements to achieve an estimated 0.2 increase in emission uniformity (EU) or distribution uniformity (DU) or greater are eligible for rebates.  The base rebate is $1,000 per acre of land (up to the cost of equipment) for an estimated savings up to 1.12 acre-feet of water per year.  Rebates may be prorated for site improvements projected to achieve greater water savings.

The program is currently scheduled to end in June 2025 or when funds are exhausted, so see if you’re qualified today. Participants must be a customer of a Water Authority member agency and irrigating one or more acres of agricultural property using municipal supplies.  The program starts with an on-site evaluation and participants receive a detailed report with irrigation system efficiency levels and recommended improvements that integrate efficient irrigation technology and irrigation scheduling practices.

If you’d like to schedule a site evaluation or have previously received a site evaluation and would like to confirm your eligibility for a rebate, contact the Mission Resource Conservation District at (760) 728-1332 or click here for more information.