Food Production Investment Program Accepting Grant Applications
The California Energy Commission is soliciting applications for the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP). The program helps California food processors utilize cap-and-trade funds to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, strengthen jobs and the economy and improve public health and the environment.
Ag Council encourages members to consider applying for FPIP — where over $70 million is available through the matching state grant program.
FPIP is an incentive program developed in part as a result of Ag Council’s advocacy efforts during the reauthorization of cap-and-trade in 2017. FPIP is the first-of-its-kind grant program for food processors at the state level and provides the opportunity to compete for funds to lower GHG emissions.
The goals of FPIP are to implement advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at California food processing plants and to assist food processors in moving toward a low carbon future. The program also benefits priority populations living in disadvantaged and low-income areas through improved air quality.
Food production costs are typically higher in California when compared with other areas because our food processors are meeting some of the highest environmental and labor standards in the world.
Given this reality, FPIP allows food processors to compete for matching state funds to update food production facilities with energy efficient and/or renewable energy technologies to both reduce operating costs and lower emissions. This, in turn, helps food processors remain competitive, as well as maintain and grow jobs.
The deadline to apply is November 20, 2019 at 5 p.m. Please contact Ag Council at ph. (916) 443-4887 with any questions. Click HERE for further details about FPIP and for a link to the application.
CDFA Accepting Proposals for 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grants
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting concept proposals for the first phase of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.Funds under the program are awarded to projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include: fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.
The two-phase application process starts with submissions of concept proposals during phase one. The second phase is for those invited to submit a detailed grant proposal.Funding awards range from $50,000 to $450,000 per project.
Applicants must register with the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST), https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov in order to apply. Concept proposals are due via FAAST by October 18, 2019 at 5 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact CDFA’s Office of Grants Administration at (916) 657-3231. Click HERE for further details from CDFA.