Multnomah County, Ore. (Feb. 24, 2026) — The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability announced today it has been awarded nearly $1 million from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. The grant will allow the County to install a solar energy system at the CROPS farm in Troutdale, supporting one of the County’s most innovative food justice initiatives.
This grant project is split into two parts. One part of the project will support the installation of a solar and battery storage system at the CROPS site. The solar energy will offset the energy consumption of refrigeration, a hydroponic freight farm, and other onsite equipment. The backup battery system will help ensure that the walk-in coolers that store farm produce won’t shut down in case of a power outage.
"Supporting community sovereignty is at the heart of everything we do," said Shantae Johnson, Executive Director of Feed’em Freedom. "From running food pantries and growing culturally specific fresh foods to providing agricultural education and entrepreneurial opportunities, we are constantly seeking new ways to serve. This solar project is our latest initiative, allowing us to offer sustainable energy access and fully embrace the power of the sun!"
The other project component will be a community solar development that will generate enough clean electricity to partially power roughly 32 low-income households, reducing their bills on average by $350 per household each year.
“Our community expects the government to innovate and meet the challenges of increasing energy costs, food insecurity, and the climate crisis,” said Office of Sustainability Director John Wasiutynski. “This project does just that, an innovative approach that meets the current needs of community members and builds a more resilient and sustainable future.”
CROPS — Community Reaps Our Produce and Shares — was launched in 2010 on vacant County land with a simple mission: grow fresh produce for families in need. Over 15 years, the program has grown into a full-featured demonstration farm and incubator focused on supporting Black and African-immigrant farmers, who make up less than 0.1% of Oregon’s farming community. Today, the farm serves as a hub for entrepreneurship, farmer training, and community building, while continuing to distribute fresh produce through food bank locations.
The farm is managed in partnership with Feed’em Freedom Foundation and Mudbone Grown, a Black-led Regional Food Hub that partners with BIPOC ranchers, fishers, and herbalists. Under Feed’em Freedom’s leadership, CROPS has become a place where new farmers gain access to land, markets, and training. The site features a barn, greenhouse, biodigester, aquaponic freight farm, high tunnels for season extension, cold storage, and municipal utilities.
“Addressing the climate crisis is a mandate we have to protect our future, grow our economy, and strengthen our community, and it’s work I’ve championed at both the state and County levels,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “This project puts that belief into action. I am grateful to the legislators who created this program that further enhances the benefits of our CROPS farm and Multnomah County’s work to create a sustainable, resilient future.”
District 4 Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon, who represents the area, echoed the importance of the award. “East Multnomah County continues to demonstrate the spirit of agricultural innovation as seen by the CROPS farm and Multnomah County’s partnership with Feed’em Freedom Foundation,” Commissioner Jones-Dixon said. “The grant award for this solar installation is a recognition of that. My thanks to the Oregon Department of Energy and the selection committee for making an investment that will benefit our planet and those that are experiencing food insecurity.”
Multnomah County was one of 24 recipients selected statewide from a competitive pool of 76 applications requesting more than $46 million in funding. ODOE awarded nearly $12 million in total across 8 planning and 16 construction projects. An evaluation committee that included community-based organizations, renewable energy advocates, industry leaders, and technical experts considered project feasibility, equity, cost savings, and economic development in selecting recipients.
“The Oregon Department of Energy is proud to offer the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, which funds projects across the state that bolster clean electricity and strengthen resilience in Oregon communities,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “We’re pleased to award a grant to Multnomah County to support the CROPS farm’s renewable solar plus energy storage project.”
The grant co-applicant was the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). BEF brings together partners across all sectors of society to co-create innovative solutions that address climate challenges primarily by restoring freshwater ecosystems and catalyzing a renewable energy future for all. BEF has worked with other partners in the region, including Verde to develop community solar projects that benefit low-income households.
“Community solar is an excellent way for households to lower their electricity bills and their carbon footprint, and thanks to this grant we will be able to offer deep discounts to participating low-income households,” said Evan Ramsey, Renewables Program Director at the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
To learn more about the CROPS program or get involved, contact Feed’em Freedom Foundation. To learn more about community solar visit the BEF website.
###
About Multnomah County Office of Sustainability
The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability works to build a more equitable and environmentally resilient County through programs that address climate change, reduce waste, and support sustainable local food systems.
About the CROPS farm:
Community Reaps Our Produce and Shares (CROPS) is a Multnomah County initiative promoting culturally-specific farming, business development, healthy eating, and community building. CROPS is managed in partnership with Feed’em Freedom Foundation and Mudbone Grown, a Black-led regional food hub and community food center serving producers and communities across the region.