Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Bennie Hutchins
Ag Energy Resources LLC
This document contains guidelines and detailed information to apply for assistance through the REAP program, formerly the “Rural Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program.” REAP was established as a result of the 2002 Farm Bill and provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in the form of grants, guaranteed loans, or a combination of the two to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Read more... Rural Energy for America Program (PDF | 1MB)
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Workshops
Laurette Tucker
USDA Rural Development
March 2010
This presentation provides information on obtaining financial assistance for both renewable energy projects and energy efficiency projects, including purposes, eligibility requirements, example projects, eligible project costs, types of financial assistance available, and the application process. Read more ... Rural Energy for America Program Workshops (PDF | 1MB)
Energy Audits for Southwest & Southside Farms
Martha A. Walker, Ph.D.
VCE Community Viability Specialist
March 17, 2010
Farmers in Southwest and Southside Virginia have a great opportunity to identify energy savings on their farms. In 2010 the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission awarded Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) funding to begin a pilot program for Southside and Southwest Virginia farmers interested in energy efficiency improvements. This program will assist farmers to identify opportunities to improve their energy usage and provide some financial assistance to upgrade to more efficient equipment and systems.
The program handout can be viewed here: Energy Efficiency Program (PDF | 296KB)
- Contact Martha A. Walker with any questions. See sidebar for her contact information.
- USDA Rural Development is sponsoring grant writing workshops where this and other opportunities will be discussed. Times and locations are below. For more information and register materials, please visit here or call Brenda Fleming (804) 290-1155
March 23 Wytheville: Wytheville Community College
March 24 Danville: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
March 25 Front Royal: Holiday Inn at Blue Ridge Shadows Resort
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) will have the web site open very soon to accept registrations for energy rebate applications. Each potential applicant should visit here now to sign up for an email notification when the project is open. More information on the Energy Rebate Program is available here:
Energy Series: Federal Energy Tax Credit or Virginia Energy Rebate
Farmers are encouraged to contact Martha Walker to request a farm audit/assessment. There is funding for up to 30 audits or “specific assessments” as long as the farm is located within the Tobacco Commission region.