U.S. Department of Agriculture (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, such as anaerobic digester projects. Funding is being made available through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.
REAP is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation’s 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 grants and approximately $48.5 million for the guaranteed loan program.
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 to June 29, 2012;
- Renewable energy system feasibility study applications through March 30, 2012; and
- Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications through February 21, 2012.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-20/pdf/2012-755.pdf).
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local USDA Rural Develop Energy Coordinator to discuss their applications.
