The US Department of Agriculture is investing more than $6.7 million in 544 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. The awards list is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
USDA Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during a visit to the Snake River Brewing Company, in Jackson, Wyoming. The company received a $13,810 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to install solar.
REAP was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The new Census of Agriculture shows the number of farms utilizing renewable energy production has doubled in the last five years.
Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen and geothermal.
