GFO-26-302 - Food Production Investment Program 2026
GFO-26-302 - Food Production Investment Program 2026 supports California food processors installing and demonstrating energy and decarbonization technologies to cut emissions and energy use and support the grid.
Funder: California Energy Commission
Due Dates: October 5, 2026 (Technical questions) | December 16, 2026 (ECAMS submission support) | December 17, 2026 (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $2.5 million–$5 million per project; up to $5 million available
Summary: Funds installation and demonstration of proven energy and decarbonization technologies at California food processing and supporting facilities.
Key Information: The prime applicant must operate the existing facility and provide a match of at least 25% of requested CEC funds.
Description
The California Energy Commission’s Food Production Investment Program funds food processors to install and demonstrate advanced energy-efficiency and decarbonization technologies at existing facilities in California. Eligible technologies are industrial heat pumps, microgrids, and equipment that replaces existing fossil-fuel equipment with electric equipment. Proposed commercially available equipment must exceed industry-standard practice; emerging technologies must have a technology readiness level of at least 8 and independently verified benefits from actual food-processing applications elsewhere.
The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, support electrical grid reliability, and benefit priority populations. Projects must advance at least two specified goals, which also include electrifying food-related processes. The Commission administers the program in coordination with the California Air Resources Board.
