$200 million greenhouse emissions food systems grant announced by Walz, EPA

NEW HOPE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Hoping to combat the effects of climate change, Gov. Tim Walz visited The Food Group in New Hope to announce a $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut climate pollution from Minnesota's food systems.

What we know

The grants will be aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota’s food systems. The funding was awarded as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022.

"Minnesota has consistently been a leader in climate solutions. From clean energy to sustainable agriculture, our climate goals are ensuring a healthier, safer state. Today, we’re celebrating another significant milestone in this journey," Walz said on Tuesday. "With the EPA’s help, we are creating a food system that nourishes Minnesotans while reducing waste and climate pollution."

Walz will be joined by EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore and MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler.

According to leaders, the Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems project will "empower growers, processors, nonprofits, and local communities to build a food system that reduces waste and climate pollution while nourishing Minnesotans statewide."

"This funding will have a transformational impact on Minnesota, from farms to food shelves across the state," Kessler said on Tuesday. "This investment will reduce greenhouse gasses while improving air quality, advancing new technologies, building food security and sovereignty, and directing benefits to low-income residents and communities of color."

Digging deeper

According to a press release, Minnesota leaders will use the $200 million grant to implement a wide range of improvements to the state’s food system, including climate-smart farming practices, electrifying vehicles that transport food, and scaling up food waste prevention programs.

Elements of the project include:

Protecting and restoring 10,000 acres of peatlands in Minnesota, which absorb and store climate pollution
Expanding support for farmers through Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification and Soil Health Financial Assistance programs
Implementing innovative new technologies at food and organic waste processing sites
Helping small businesses, supermarkets, schools, hospitals and food banks invest in new, climate-friendly refrigerators
Replacing gas-powered vehicles and equipment used in food systems like tractors and freight trucks with EVs and advanced clean fuel options
Scaling up successful programs to prevent food waste and keep organic matter out of landfills
Coordination with tribal governments and low-income and disadvantaged communities to improve food security and strengthen food sovereignty

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