30 state ag producers and rural small businesses get USDA grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $3.6 million in grants to Pennsylvania agriculture producers and rural small business owners to improve energy efficiency and generate new income. 

USDA Administrator, Rural Business Cooperative Service Dr. Karama Neal said Thursday that the grants will help 30 entities make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of their operations in rural Pennsylvania. 

“Through the Inflation Reduction Act, President (Joe) Biden and USDA are expanding access to clean energy, creating jobs and spurring economic growth for producers and small business owners in Pennsylvania, while saving people money on their energy costs,” Neal said. “This is just another way USDA is committed to building our economy from the middle out and bottom up.” 

In Fiscal Year 2023 more than $21.8 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds were distributed to 168 energy efficiency improvement projects in rural Pennsylvania. The most recent announcement was made in September. 

The announcement Thursday was made at Performance Motors, a retail automotive business in Berks County that has been in operation since 1970.  

The dealership will use a $226,000 grant to purchase and install a 236 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. The project annually is expected to save the business approximately $28,600 and replace 128,159 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough energy to power 26 homes. 

“REAP rural small business owners and farmers invest in energy audits and renewable energy development grants and loans that helps reduce traditional energy consumption and save money while positively impacting the environment,” State Director for USDA Rural Development Bob Morgan said.  

Just before noon, the USDA officials toured a future REAP project site in Lebanon County at Wen-Crest Farms LLC. The farm will use a $229,200 grant to purchase and install a 243 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for its chicken farming operation.  

Wen-Crest Farms LLC has been operating for 17 years. This project is expected to save the farm approximately $29,500 per year and will replace 246,616 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 22 homes. 

The Department continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes $144.5 million for underutilized renewable energy technologies. 

 For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.