Thank you for your interest in the Regional CropSWAP –Sustainable Water for Agricultural Production, a program dedicated to promoting sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in western Riverside and northern San Diego Counties.

The Regional CropSWAP Program, now open to Rainbow Water customers, is designed to address significant challenges in agricultural sustainability. The expansion builds upon the success of the original CropSWAP program launched by Rancho Water in 2016.

The collaborative effort among Regional Partners, including Rancho Water, Fallbrook Public Utilities District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, and the City of Oceanside, offers financial assistance for transitioning away from high-water-use crops and adopting agricultural best management practices (BMPs).

“The innovative program will allow Rainbow Water to reinvest in our agricultural growers, a fabric of our community,” said Jake Wiley, Rainbow Water General Manager. “This is an exciting opportunity to partner as a region to focus on water use efficiency projects that help support sustainable water rates for all our customers.”

By participating, growers can convert to water-efficient crop varieties, upgrade avocado rootstocks for improved tree health, or rejuvenate avocado trees through stumping. Completion of a comprehensive crop upgrade will optimize water use, boost crop productivity, and support sustainable water rates for all customers.

Requirements for Financial Assistance Eligibility:

• Projects must be a minimum of one acre within the Project Area.
• Participants can combine project types (e.g., crop conversion and rootstock upgrade).
• An existing crop and irrigation system must be present.

• Irrigation efficiency upgrades and other best management practices are eligible for reimbursement.
• Participants are limited to one application per calendar year.
• Crops must be replaced block by block; individual plant replacement isn’t covered.
• Eligible customers must complete an application and agree to   terms and conditions.
• Projects must be completed within 240 days from contract execution.
• Pre- and post-inspections are required
• Incentive disbursement occurs after project verification.

Ready to Apply?

Visit regionalcropswap.com to learn more and submit your application today.

The CropSWAP program is facilitated by Rancho Water, and their team can assist with questions regarding the regional program expansion and applications. Please contact the program administrator at apply@RegionalCropSWAP.com or (951)296-6895.