USDA Helps Farms and Businesses Cut Energy Costs

March 2, 2017

COLUMBIA, MO, February 28, 2017 – USDA is offering grants and loan guarantees to help rural businesses and agricultural producers reduce their energy costs and consumption.

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Loans and grants are available to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

Renewable energy systems include solar, wind, geothermal, anaerobic digesters, and renewable biomass.

Energy efficiency improvements include grain drying and handling, lighting, refrigeration, building improvements (such as adding insulation or replacing windows), heating and cooling upgrades, motor replacements and automated control upgrades.

Cedar Creek Hardwoods, Inc. (Fredericktown, MO) received a $20,000 grant to upgrade their lighting and HVAC system which will lower their energy costs by 49%.

SP Aker-Haslag Poultry, LLC (Windsor, MO) received a $14,770 grant to upgrade six poultry barns with energy efficiency retrofits that will lower costs by 23%.

Grants of up to 25% of a project’s total costs are available.

  • The maximum grants are $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems

Loans guarantees of up to 75% of a project’s total costs are available.

  • The minimum loan is $5,000
  • The maximum loan is $25 million

The next grant application deadline is March 31, 2017. Guaranteed loan applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

For information on REAP contact (573) 876-9321 or email nathan.tutt@mo.usda.gov

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $216 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.