The deadline for the Agricultural Water Optimization Grant through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is coming up on April 15, 2022. UDAF administers several grants to help further the development of the state’s agricultural and food industries. 

The Agricultural Water Optimization Program provides grants of up to $500,000 for projects that reduce consumptive water use while maintaining or improving agricultural production and profitability while increasing operational flexibility for agricultural water users.

The purpose of the Agricultural Water Optimization Grant grant is to:

  1. Improve water optimization by reducing consumptive water use while maintaining or improving agriculture production and profitability and while providing increased operational flexibility for agriculture water users moving forward;
  2. Improve water quantification by showing accurate, real-time measurement of diverted water to demonstrate actual water savings in CFS and acre foot;
  3. Document the availability of water after implementation of a water optimization project; and
  4. To improve and protect surface and ground water quality by reducing overwatering of crops.

There is a $500,000 cap, and special consideration may be given for projects which are located within areas showing increased pressure on water resources, or provide exceptional optimization benefits. Water Optimization Grant Program funds will be limited to 50% of the total cost of the project, and UDAF encourages seeking other funding sources for the remaining cost of the project. Additionally, producers are required to contribute at least 10% of the cost of the project. This can include in-kind match.

An in-depth listing of grant details, application requirements and more (including video tutorials) can be found HERE. For additional information or questions, farmers & ranchers can contact Jay Olsen at jayolsen@utah.gov or 801-718-0517.  Please remember, the deadline for the grant application is April 15, 2022. After that deadline, the next application period is anticipated to open from July through September 2022.