New grant funding opportunity for food industry businesses

Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems Equipment and Vehicle Replacement Grant

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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will offer $5 million in grant funding to replace fossil fueled vehicles and equipment used in Minnesota food systems.

The grant aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and public health, and remove fossil fuel equipment and vehicles from operation and replace them with zero-emission technology.  

 Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants include any organization involved in Minnesota’s food system.  

Applicants must:

• Be based in Minnesota or have a branch office in Minnesota.
• Own gas, diesel, propane or natural gas–powered vehicles or equipment currently used in Minnesota’s food system.
• Operate that equipment at least 75% of the time in Minnesota.
• Agree to scrap the old equipment

Eligible equipment includes, but isn’t limited to terminal tractors, forklifts, sprinter vans, box trucks, light-or medium-duty farm pickup trucks, etc. Infrastructure like charging stations and hard-wiring is also eligible for funding.  

How much funding is available?

Projects can receive up to 80% of total cost, with businesses providing at least 20% match.

How to apply

Funding will happen through competitive Requests for Proposals

Applications due March 27, 2026  

Businesses must submit an application in the online SWIFT portal. The MPCA will host a webinar Tuesday, February 10 during the application window to answer questions. After projects are selected, grantees will purchase new zero-emission equipment, destroy the old equipment, and submit documentation. MPCA then provides reimbursement after proof of purchase and scrappage.

Waste Wise is available to assist with completing your application. Get started now to be prepared in advance of the March 27 deadline.  

APPLY WITH WASTE WISE