Applications are now open for a United States Department of Agriculture program aimed at helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses to become more energy efficient.
The program is called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). According to the USDA Rural Development's website, REAP seeks to provide "guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements."
Agricultural producers are also able to apply for new and more energy efficient equipment, and new system loans for agricultural production and processing, according to the USDA-RD.
To be eligible for REAP, you must be an agricultural producer with 50 percent or more of your gross income coming from agricultural operations.
Small businesses in rural areas are also able to apply for REAP. The businesses must be located in an eligible area for the program. According to the USDA-RD, an eligble area is a rural area with a population under 50,000.
A map located on the USDA-RD's website can identify if a business is eligible.
Agricultural producers can be located in either a rural or urban environment, according to the USDA-RD.
The funds received from REAP can be used for renewable energy systems. According to the USDA-RD, this includes: biomass, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen, small and large wind generation, small and large solar generation or ocean generation.
REAP funds can also be used for the purchase, installation or construction of improvements that are energy efficient. According to the USDA-RD, this includes: HVAC, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows, pumps for sprinkler pivots, switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor or replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
More specific information about the REAP Program can be found on the USDA-RD's website. The necessary forms are also available on this website.
Applications are due March 31.