Electric farm equipment is revolutionizing the agricultural industry, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered machinery. Common electric farm equipment includes electric tractors, irrigation pumps, forklifts, refrigeration units, and more. These machines reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs and maintenance needs and contribute to healthier working conditions and a more sustainable environment.
In this blog post, we will highlight two programs that offer rebates for various electric equipment: California CORE and the Central Coast Ag Electrification Program.Â
California CORE offers financial incentives for specific Solectrac and Monarch electric tractors. Source: California CORE
Also called California CORE, this program opened on August 13th 2024, and offers financial incentives to help California farmers transition to heavy-duty electric equipment, including electric tractors, forklifts, transport refrigeration units (TRUs), and more. This is a voucher program, and the amount awarded varies depending on the equipment you select.
Application Timeline: The CORE voucher program is currently accepting applications. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage interested farmers to act quickly. The application period will close once all funds have been allocated. For more information on application timelines, email info@californiacore.org to be added to their mailing list.
Eligibility:
- Available to all off-road equipment purchasers in California.
- Purchased equipment must be domiciled and operated in California for at least three years following the voucher redemption date.
- Annual activity reports are required for three years.
- No restrictions on fleet size or the number of vouchers you can apply for.
Steps to Participate in CORE:
- Select Equipment: Choose equipment from the Eligible Equipment Catalog that fits your needs.
- Contact a Dealer: Reach out to a CORE-approved Dealer to handle the voucher request on your behalf.
- Provide Information: Share details such as equipment domicile location and small business designation with your dealer.
- Purchase Equipment: Buy your equipment at the CORE-discounted rate.
Farmers in the Central Coast region have another electrification opportunity through the Ag Electrification Program, which offers rebates to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) customers who replace fossil fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives. Eligible equipment includes irrigation pumps, electric tractors, utility vehicles, harvest equipment, and more. For small businesses, the rebates awarded cover 50% of the cost of the new equipment, up to $75,000.
Eligibility:
Must be a 3CE customer whose primary business is agriculture production or processing.
- Enhanced incentives are available for projects that replace equipment destroyed by a Governor-declared natural disaster (e.g. flooding, wildfire).
- Eligible customers can receive up to two rebates for two projects per fiscal year.
Application Steps:
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you are a Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) customer.
Identify Equipment: Select the fossil fuel-powered equipment you wish to replace with electric options.
Apply for the Rebate: Submit your application by providing necessary details about your equipment and operation.
Application Deadline: The Ag Electrification Program application window is open now and will close on September 30th, 2024. Eligible applicants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, until funds have been fully awarded.
For more information and to start the application process, visit the Ag Electrification Program website