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Washington-Based Hop Supplier Selected to Receive Funding Through Clean Energy Community Grants Program
July 03, 2025
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YAKIMA, WA: Global hop supplier Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Clean Energy Community Grant (CECG) from WA state Department of Commerce. This grant totaling $36.6 million awarded to 38 recipients is part of Washington State’s broader initiative to promote sustainable infrastructure by funding the design, planning, and implementation of clean energy capital projects; an initiative that aligns perfectly with YCH’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
YCH will use the grant funds totaling $1,856,888 to implement a Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan using CO2 Recovery to capture and recycle the CO2 emissions from the hop suppliers' extract plant facilities in Sunnyside, Washington, and transform it into Beverage Grade liquid CO2 for reuse in its extraction process. This project supports YCH’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified environmental management system and aligns with Washington State’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. As the first U.S. company to adopt this technology, YCH continues to lead the industry in sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.
“Being awarded this grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce is both an incredible honor and a powerful investment in YCH’s mission,” says Art Ortega, YCH’s Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Regulatory Compliance. “This recognizes our deep commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, serving as a launchpad for even greater innovation as we work to reduce our carbon footprint and lead the hop industry toward a cleaner, more efficient future.”
YCH, based in the Yakima Valley of Washington, is a leading supplier of hops, one of the four main ingredients used in the beer brewing process. The Yakima Valley accounts for about 75% of the hops in the United States and is one of the largest hop-growing regions in the world. While the beer industry emphasizes a need for environmental stewardship, YCH distinguishes itself by providing customers with the highest quality hop products while exceeding industry standards for sustainable practices throughout all operations. As a 100% grower-owned company, YCH is uniquely positioned to play an active role in the effort to create a more environmentally responsible supply chain, from farm to pint.
“Rather than a fixed goal, we see sustainability at YCH as an ongoing pursuit, one where each innovation brings us closer to doing business more responsibly,” says Levi Wyatt, YCH’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. “At every step, we’re working to innovate and uncover new ways to make a positive environmental impact. That includes integrating nature-based solutions at the farm level, transitioning to renewable energy into our facilities, and sourcing sustainable packaging. Incorporating CO₂ recovery into our extract operations is a strong next step in helping us reduce emissions and move closer to a truly circular supply chain.”
The funding has been offered through an invitation-only solicitation process from the previous 2024 General Clean Energy Grant (GCEG) Request for Proposal (RFP). YCH was invited to apply with the proposal to implement a Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan using CO2 Recovery.
The CECG is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-investment dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
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Yakima Chief Hops
YCH is a 100% grower-owned global hop supplier with a mission to connect the world’s finest brewers with family hop farms. Operating for over 30 years, we have become leaders in innovation, quality, and customer service. We are a resource for brewers, providing industry-leading research and products. We are advocates of sustainability and meaningful social causes, working to support the communities around us. https://www.yakimachief.com/
Contact:
Bryan Pierce
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer