Minnesota climate smart food systems (CSFS)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sought public, private, and nonprofit owners of fossil fuel on-road and off-road equipment and vehicles that are used within food systems in Minnesota to apply to this competitive grant opportunity to partially fund new, cleaner versions of these equipment and vehicles. Vehicle charging equipment and installation costs for replacement vehicles are eligible.
The grant aims to:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- improve air quality and public health
- remove fossil fuel equipment and vehicles from operation and replace them with zero-emission (ZE) technology
Closed: Applications were due March 27, 2026.
Questions and answers
MPCA employees cannot legally answer questions about this grant opportunity. Please submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “FY26 MCSFS Equipment/Vehicle Replacement Grant” no later than 4 p.m. on March 13, 2026.
Informational meeting
The MPCA hosted this question and answer webinar on Feb. 10, 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible organizations and collaboration
For-profit, nonprofit, individuals, and public entities, including state, local, and Tribal governments that own and operate vehicles within the eligibility section of this RFP, are eligible applicants. Applicants must be based in Minnesota or have a branch office in Minnesota. The vehicles must operate in Minnesota at least 75% of the time.
Multi-organizational collaboration is allowed, however, no single entity may submit individually and be a part of multiple applications. Only one organization may apply as a contractor on behalf of collaborators.
Eligible projects
On- or off-road equipment/vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel fuel are eligible for replacement with zero tailpipe emission equipment, such as electric, battery, hydrogen, etc. Infrastructure, such as charging stations or hard-wiring, for the equipment/vehicle is eligible for funding. Vehicles to be replaced must be scrapped. Equipment that runs on CNG, LP, or other combustible fuels is eligible.
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, terminal tractors, forklifts, sprinter vans, box trucks, light- or medium-duty farm pickup trucks, etc.
Available funds
Total funding available: $5 million
Match: Grant recipients must provide a minimum of 20% of the replacement costs and match may not be sourced through federal funding or environmental settlement funds (e.g., VW Settlement).
More information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Minnesota $200 million to cut climate pollution from our state’s food systems through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. Led by the MPCA in collaboration with other state agencies, local governments, and Tribal Nations, the climate-smart food systems initiative will distribute this investment through multiple programs through September 2029.