State innovation program seeks local farmers

Farmers are always trying to do more with less.  Tonight, many met at Fresno City Hall to hear about a program that encourages innovation.

The California Energy Commission explained its new "Water Energy Technology" program (WET), a way to provide funding for innovative technologies.  Here in Fresno, the state wanted to hear from people in the agriculture industry. 

"We’re looking at innovative ways to conserve water and to still have the product yield; we’re gonna be all ears to find ways to fund these projects," says Kevin Barker with the California Energy Commission.

Barker says the state is looking for technologies that do three things: save water, save energy, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.  (The $ 30 million dollar budget comes from Cap and Trade funds.)

Barker says the state is prepared to give rebates to innovative farmers, and will also offer rebates for products that help save water and energy.

The program begins this summer.