A new $57 million grant program launched by the California Energy Commission aims to support research that will help food processing firms in the state to lower their energy use and reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gasses. 

Established in 2018, the Food Production Investment Program will offer $33 million to help companies upgrade their equipment with energy lowering features, such as new models, additions, or revamping processes. In order to secure the grant, firms must demonstrate that the equipment upgrades or additions offer lower GHG emissions in comparison with existing best practices or industry standard equipment. Each food processing operation that receives the upgrade-related grant can receive awards from $100,000 to $3 million.

Another pool of $24 million is available through the state for firms to install new technologies that reduce GHG emissions, with awards ranging from $2 million to $8 million. 

“This type of support not only helps the industry reduce operating costs and GHG emissions, but it helps the industry remain competitive so jobs associated with food production remain in California,” the chair of the California Energy Commission, Robert B. Weisenmiller, said in a press release announcing the funding. 

All food processing operations in the state of California are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Aug. 31. Applicants to both types of grants will have to match the amount of funds they receive, the state commission said. 

For more information, visit the California Energy Commission’s website.

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