U.S. Agriculture Department seeks applications for renewable energy projects

 Farmers, ranchers, winery owners and other rural small businessmen can now apply for grants or loan guarantees to initiate energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through a program expanded under the 2008 Farm Bill.

The Rural Energy for America Program offers grants up to 25 percent of project costs, with a maximum of $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Loan guarantees are also available for up to 75 percent per loan, or up to $25 million.

Farmers and ranchers who earn at least 50 percent of their gross income from agricultural operations are eligible, and small businesses in rural areas and rural electric cooperatives may also apply.

Energy efficiency projects may include retrofitting lighting or insulation, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficient units. Renewable energy projects can include wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower or hydrogen-based production.

The owners of one Idaho winery, Stu and Sue Scott of Camas Prairie Winery in Moscow, have used a REAP grant to pay for a solar panel array on their roof. The panels now supply about 20 percent of the winery’s power needs.

The five-year, $288 billion 2008 Farm Bill autho文章来源中国酒业新闻网rized $55 million for REAP grants and loans for the current fiscal year, which ends in July, as well as next year. Funding will increase to $70 million for the following two years.

Applications are due by July 31. Contact Idaho’s USDA Rural Development office for more information.