Food Production Investment Program 2026
Food Production Investment Program 2026 supports California food processors and related facility operators in deploying advanced energy technologies to cut emissions and costs and strengthen grid reliability.
This grant was recently updated
The funder replaced the original solicitation manual with an Addendum 1 version and added an Addendum 1 cover letter. A Questions and Answers document is also now available.
Funder: California Energy Commission
Due Dates: October 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Technical questions) | December 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (ECAMS submission support) | December 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Administrative questions) | December 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $2,500,000–$5,000,000 per project, with at least 25% cash match; up to $5,000,000 available
Summary: Supports advanced energy and decarbonization technologies at existing California food-processing and supporting facilities to reduce emissions and strengthen grid reliability.
Key Information: The prime applicant must operate the eligible facility and solely own grant-funded equipment; third-party financing and ownership are prohibited.
Description
The California Energy Commission’s Food Production Investment Program funds implementation and demonstration of advanced energy and decarbonization technologies at existing California food-processing and related support facilities. Administered by the Energy Research and Development Division, this solicitation supports industrial heat pumps, microgrids, and electrification of existing fossil-fuel equipment.
The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs while maintaining food production quantity, quality, and competitiveness in California. Priorities include reducing electrical demand during net-peak periods, strengthening grid reliability and resilience, and benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities. Projects must use commercially proven technologies and demonstrate a path toward broader adoption across facilities, industries, or processes.
