Press Release

April 30, 2025

118 Stakeholders Tell Congress: Keep Funding Rural Clean Energy

Rural clean energy investments pay off in lower costs, better jobs, and a stronger American economy

118 agriculture, business, environmental, and trade organizations joined a letter urging Congress to fully fund the popular Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in fiscal year 2026.

Since its inception, REAP has delivered 30,000 awards to farms, ranches, and rural small businesses to invest in renewable energy systems such as solar panels, and energy efficiency measures such as improved lighting, pumps, and heating systems. Demand for REAP funding has only grown from agricultural enterprises across all 50 states seeking to cut costs and become more energy-independent. Applications for the program have long outpaced available funding, signaling the need for expanded support.

The 118 stakeholders that signed on to support REAP include national and state-level agricultural and producer groups, alongside environmental advocates and key business leaders. This diverse and nonpartisan coalition highlights how support for REAP extends across society and farm sectors.

“REAP strengthens rural America on a lasting basis,” said Andy Olsen, Senior Policy Advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “It helps farmers and rural businesses cut input costs, bringing more affordable goods to the grocery store. It’s no wonder REAP has a 20+ year history of strong bipartisan support.”

“Congress should fully fund REAP. In these challenging times for agricultural producers, REAP provides ways for poultry growers across the South to reduce expenses and boost profits by investing in energy efficiency measures and by producing their own power with renewable energy,” said Mike Giles, President of the Georgia Poultry Federation.

“REAP is a smart investment for America,” said Lloyd Ritter, Director, Agriculture Energy Coalition. “The program helps farms and rural businesses cut energy waste and costs, produce more energy, and strengthen their margins in a tough economy. That means higher incomes for producers and lower prices at the market – a deal everyone can get behind”

The diverse group – including national farm associations, local co-ops, conservation groups, and clean energy businesses – sent a joint letter to leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees this week. The message: continue full, mandatory and discretionary, funding for REAP in the FY2026 agricultural spending bill.

“REAP serves not only rural areas but the whole country,” said Olsen. “Rural clean energy investments pay off in lower costs, better jobs, and a stronger American economy.”