Ohio Workshop Highlights New Farm Bill Energy Assistance Programs
Friday, September 5, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Farmers and rural residents can discover more about the new Farm Bill’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) as part of the Clean Energy Funding Opportunities Workshop to be held Sept. 12, at the Sawmill Creek Resort and Conference Center, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive, Huron, Ohio.
REAP provides funding to rural small businesses and agricultural producers to help finance the installation of renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. Grants and loan guarantees are available for businesses interested in installing an on-site renewable energy generation system using wind, solar, biomass and/or geothermal technology. Funding is also available to install energy efficiency improvements designed to reduce energy use and better control energy costs.
The half-day workshop features keynote addresses from the USDA-Rural Development Undersecretary Tom Dorr and Ohio Ninth District Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. Presentations from USDA, the Ohio Energy Office and others will help participants start the research, planning and grant application process for the upcoming 2009 program year.
The Clean Energy Funding Opportunities Workshop is sponsored by the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), USDA-Rural Development, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Farmers Union.
Contact CIFT at www.cift.eisc.org for registration and more information. There is no cost to attend the workshop, but seating is limited.
Tags: Farm Energy, Ohio
September 13th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I have 5.8 acres in rural champaign county. I am very interested in utilizing wind technology. I am trying to start a small farm and I am located in an excellent area to make a positive impact toward the use of renewable energy generating system. I missed the workshop. How can I find out more? Thank you.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I am requesting information concerning grant application. My husband and I have farmed for
many years and are located in a perfect location for wind power according to the wind maps. Any additional info will be appreciated. Thanking you in advance. L. Rose
September 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I live on a 100 acre farm and have prime location in Union County, Ohio and would like to get more information on the wind power. And would like to received a grant application. Thanks, Brandi
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
i have greenhouse i own 40 areas of land . i live in gasport, n.y . i would like to know if there are any grants for a windwind. thanks ellen
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I would also enjoy talking to you on windmill tech. I would like to particpate in developing wind technology.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:45 am
I live on a 250 acre farm and have prime location in Monroe County, Ohio and would like to get more information on the wind power. And would like to received a grant application.Jim Williams
October 14th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
It’s great to hear this interest. Following is information that should help everyone here. Also, stay in tune here and at FarmEnergy.org.
* The USDA is expected to release the new program for 2009 by the end of this calendar year. While there are changes from the new Farm Bill, it will be similar to the 2008 program. That means you can all start thinking about your projects now, and doing the basic project planning. You can use resources at FarmEnergy.org but be prepared to make changes when the new program rules come out.
* Information on grant applications for previous years can be found at FarmEnergy.org. See, especially the links on the left side of the page for “Applications & Tools,” “Incentives,” and “9006 FAQ.” (9006 is also REAP).
* If you plan to apply for a REAP grant, you should contact your USDA state energy coordinator. You can find a list of those at FarmEnergy.org “State-Level USDA Contacts.
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October 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
more….
* Note that the REAP program (also “Section 9006″) has already funded $45 million in grants and nearly $1 million in loan guarantees for 117 wind projects across America.
* For those new to planning energy projects, we recommend our “About Clean Energy” pages. We’re adding new content for planning wind projects, soon as well.
Other resources:
Windustry’s Wind Basics
AWEA Factsheets
* To receive updates when the REAP program is released, please join our email list. See the “Get FarmEnergy News” link at Farmenergy.org
Thanks for your efforts to build clean energy capacity.