FoundationCCC announces the new SHIFT Aviation Project, which advances the widespread adoption of zero-emission autonomous aircraft throughout the agricultural industry by demonstrating its viability, benefits, and opportunities in California and beyond. Funded by a $9 million grant through the California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission, this investment represents a critical pathway toward sustainable food production by reducing the industry’s carbon footprint while simultaneously improving operational efficiency.

The SHIFT Aviation Project aligns with the California Community Colleges’ climate goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 and creating new educational and career opportunities in emerging green technology sectors.

The economic and practical benefits of zero-emission autonomous aircraft will create new opportunities for agricultural service providers and position early adopters as leaders in the transition toward more sustainable farming practices. This project is designed to help meet growing food demands while protecting our natural resources. 

FoundationCCC serves as the technical grantee and fiscal agent for this grant with partner Pyka, Inc., a cutting-edge technology innovator bringing zero-emission, autonomous aviation to the agricultural sector. FoundationCCC leads a workforce development component of the project, facilitating conversations between relevant aviation and agricultural employers and California community colleges providing programming in zero-emission vehicles, avionics, aviation, drone operations, and agricultural sciences. By demonstrating the viability of these technologies through pilot programs, we can showcase how electric and hydrogen-powered drones can perform essential tasks like crop monitoring, precision spraying, and livestock management with minimal environmental impact. Planned stakeholder engagement and listening sessions will inform a workforce development report to showcase the potential of the project and accelerate future investment in this technology.

By supporting innovations like zero-emission autonomous aircraft, we continue to advance our mission to drive sustainable, equitable solutions that prepare California for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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