Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is seeking
applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and
rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency
and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA’s
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) authorized by the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).
“Renewable energy development presents an enormous economic
opportunity for rural America,” said Vilsack. “This funding will
assist rural farmers, ranchers and business owners to build
renewable energy projects, providing opportunities for new
technologies, create green jobs and help America become more energy
self-sufficient.”
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is designed to help
agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy
costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy
needs. For 2012, USDA has approximately $25.4 million budget
authority available to fund REAP activities, which will support at
least $12.5 million in grant and approximately $48.5 million in
guaranteed loan program level awards. USDA is accepting the
following applications:
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant
applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications
until March 30, 2012;
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement
guaranteed loan only applications on a continuous basis up
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