USDA Announces Projects Designed to Improve Farm and Rural Business Energy Efficiency

On August 15, 2013, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the availability of funding to help agricultural producers and rural small business owners reduce their energy usage and costs, use renewable energy technologies, and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. The funding is being made available through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. Up to 25 percent of an eligible energy production or conservation project can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided through a loan. Since 2008, REAP has helped fund approximately 7,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the United States.

 

For more information, please see the USDA press release.

Written by Sarah L. Doyle - Research Assistant
The Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center
@PSUAgLawCenter
August 16, 2013