Two federal funding programs are on the near horizon for turkey producers and other farmers to access funds to make energy upgrades on Minnesota farms.
See below for more info on each of the programs, as well as an opportunity through the Clean Energy Resource Teams to get help navigating each of the opportunities.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps farmers evaluate energy saving opportunities and provides financial assistance to help make energy upgrades happen. EQIP requires an audit first (the program pays for most—if not all—of it). After the audit, you can apply for financial assistance for a lighting project or any other recommendations in the audit.
Applications for this program are accepted on a continuous basis and there are three application cut-off dates coming up soon: October 17, November 14, and December 19.
Applying is as easy as stopping by your local USDA office and discussing with the NRCS staff there. Find the office nearest you by clicking on your county in this map.
Leverage EQIP to cover approximately 100% of the cost of a comprehensive energy audit. If you need to complete a farm energy audit as part of a rebate request from your utility or as part of a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant or loan application, then EQIP financial assistance for the audit is a great option to consider.
Rural Energy for American Program (REAP)
The Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) from USDA Rural Development is a funding opportunity for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for farmers and rural small businesses.
CERTs recently tuned into a webinar that nicely summarized the REAP process. Check out this presentation. The presentation includes nice reference tables of eligibility for REAP funding and project examples for farm energy efficiency and renewable energy.
You can also view a webinar about REAP that CERTs hosted last spring.
We don’t have any deadlines yet for REAP, but this program also accepts applications at any time of the year. Just be sure to submit your application before construction starts. Here’s a couple of exciting tips about the upcoming REAP funding:
- There is a draft, streamlined application template on the USDA RD website.
- This is an excellent time to apply as both FY 14 and FY15 funds will be distributed in the next two cycles.
- Keeping your project cost under $80K and grant request under $20K will decrease your paperwork and increase your chances to get funded – Luckily, upgrading lighting in Turkey Barns is typically under $20,000.
Project Ideas & More Info
The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is currently helping turkey farmers reduce energy use by upgrading to LED lighting in their barns through the CERTs Gobble Up Savings Campaign. Switching from high pressure sodium or incandescent lighting to LED lighting presents the greatest savings opportunity. CERTs will help you navigate your funding options to get LED lighting in your barns. Call Fritz Ebinger at 651-789-3330 for details.
Learn more about these funding opportunities:
