Modern irrigation systems deliver their full value when they are designed and managed with agronomic insights and outfitted with technology. Efficient irrigation systems require regular monitoring, proper filtration based upon water source and quality, and regular attention to deliver distribution uniformity. While the ROI for drip irrigation is attractive, the roadblock keeping many farmers from adopting these modern systems is the initial capital investment.

To address this, the newly launched Ag Modernization Fund matches farmers with funding so they can install drip or micro sprinkler systems that, over time, conserve water and fertilizer, and reduce labor costs.

Launch of the Ag Modernization Fund

The Ag Modernization Fund was launched in 2025 by the California Water Resilience Initiative (CWRI) in partnership with Netafim North America, the Precision Agriculture business of Orbia, and LimnoTech. This project is part of CWRI’s goal to save 1 million acre-feet of water per year by 2030.

Corporate funding from Keurig Dr Pepper, Gilead Sciences, and General Mills was pooled to provide the capital. Farms that were best positioned to move forward with irrigation modernization were selected to receive funding.

As part of the program, these farms will have their outcomes verified through an independent benefits summary, and their annual water-use data will be aggregated to provide transparency for verification and reporting.

Impact of the First Funding Round

The first round of funds supported five California family farms, converting a total of 235 acres from outdated irrigation systems to precision irrigation technology.

These upgrades are expected to bring annual water savings of approximately:
491 acre-feet per year — or about 160 million gallons.

Verification remains central to the program:

• LimnoTech prepares independent benefits summaries.
• Netafim’s GrowSphere™ Operating System aggregates annual water-use reporting.

Standardized data allows clear comparisons across crops and seasons while reducing paperwork for growers.

Technology Behind Precision Irrigation

Modern precision irrigation systems typically include:

• Filtration systems
• Zone valves and regulators
• Flow and pressure monitoring
• Scheduling based on crop stage and soil conditions

These systems can be remotely controlled and integrated with crop models for precise irrigation scheduling. Real-time insights from soil moisture sensors and local weather data enhance accuracy.

Farmers gain visibility into:

• Actual applied water
• Irrigation system performance
• Site-specific conditions
• Instant adjustments as field conditions change

Threefold Value for Growers

• Corporate capital reduces initial investment barriers.
• Precision irrigation reduces runoff, improves uniformity, and cuts pump hours.
• Standardized GrowSphere™ reporting simplifies documentation.

Preparing for Future Funding Rounds

Organizers plan to close multiple funds each year. Interested growers can prepare by documenting:

• Applied water baselines
• Pump operating hours
• Operating pressures
• Irrigation uniformity checks

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