Renewable energy systems funding available for ag producers

Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley encourages farmers, rural small businesses and agricultural producers to apply for financing in a key U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides loan guarantees to help rural small businesses lower their energy costs.     

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to increasing economic development in rural communities across the country through strong partnerships with rural businesses,” Baxley said. “USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program is an important tool to help strengthen and grow the rural economy.”

USDA Rural Development State Director Denise Lovelady said, “The REAP program allows Delaware farmers, ranchers, and small, rural business owners to incorporate energy-efficiency technology and improve their bottom line. Investments like these in rural Delaware are engines that help drive economic development across the state.”


REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems such as anaerobic digesters, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar. It also can be used to make energy-efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.


For more information, contact Bruce Weaver at 302-857-3629 or email Bruce.Weaver@usda.gov. 


USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.