Regional CropSWAP Program 

Rainbow Water has partnered with Rancho Water to introduce the Regional CropSWAP or Sustainable Water for Agricultural Production, a regional program focused on reviving the agricultural community through crop conversion projects.
The program is dedicated to promoting sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. CropSWAP offers eligible participants a choice of three distinct, incentivized project types tailored to enhance agricultural productivity while prioritizing environmental stewardship. 

Apply Online

To find out more about the program and to submit an online application, visit the Regional CropSWAP website: RegionalCropSWAP.com

Program Background

CropSWAP is a $5 million grant-funded state program that is designed to replace high-water use crops with lower use crops through a crop conversion. Rainbow Water agriculture and agriculture residence ratepayers are eligible for the program to convert citrus, cut flowers, olives, wine grapes and other crops that result in water savings. In addition, the program provides avocado rootstock upgrades which include the removal of mature high-water avocado trees and replaced with juvenile trees containing the latest salt tolerant and disease resistant rootstocks.

"The innovative program will allow Rainbow Water to reinvest in our agricultural growers, one of the fabrics of our community," said Jake Wiley, Rainbow Water General Manager. "This is an exciting opportunity and we are pleased to bring a new long term program focused on increasing water use efficiency and assisting with
sustainable water rates for all our customers."

The regional CropSWAP program is modeled after the success of Rancho Water's program that began in 2021. The new regional program is comprised of five agencies: City of Oceanside, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Water, Rancho Water, and Valley Center.

What is Crop Conversion? 

The purpose of the CropSWAP is to help rate payers import less water to reduce costs and provide farmers with savings through a crop conversion. The CropSWAP replaces an active orchard with a minimum of two acres, to a water saving crop to reduce water costs and maintain the legacy of the agricultural area. An additional opportunity is available for avocado growers to replace old trees with the Avocado Rootstock Upgrade. The Rootstock of mature avocado trees are replaced with new disease-free, salt and drought tolerant rootstocks. 

 Join the Information List

Be the first to receive CropSWAP program launch details when you sign up for the information list in the form below. The program  details and application process is scheduled for launch in May 2024.