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USDA Announces Hands-On Support to Help Ag Producers Applying for Renewable Energy Funding

USDA Announces Hands-On Support to Help Ag Producers Applying for Renewable Energy Funding

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting grant applications from organizations to provide hands-on assistance to agricultural producers applying for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding, which will lower energy costs and make energy efficiency improvements in rural areas.

Since December 2022, USDA has made up to $1.3 billion available in REAP funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. To support the staff on the ground making this historic effort a success, the Biden-Harris Administration worked with USDA Rural Development State Offices to provide them with more flexibility to award new technical assistance grants through the REAP Technical Assistance Grants Program (REAP TAG), hire additional staff support, and bolster their outreach and customer service efforts.

USDA is making $16 million available through the REAP TAG Program to provide additional support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking REAP funds.

Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:

  • Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.
  • Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.
  • Conduct required energy assessments and audits.
  • Help agricultural producers and small business owners with planning construction and development of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
  • Assist with the completion of environmental reports and/or documentation required for submittal of applications.

Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For additional information and submission details, see page 12815 of the Feb. 20 Federal Register.

Background

The REAP Technical Assistance Grants Program provides funding to organizations that support farmers and small businesses owners applying for federal funds for wind, solar and other renewable energy systems. This program works alongside REAP to create new economic opportunities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make energy more affordable for American families.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.