U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is investing $207 million (€190.2 million) in renewable energy and domestic fertiliser projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.
The funding will reach 42 states for 675 projects through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP).
REAP provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements.
Many of the projects are being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
The announcement was made by Secretary Vilsack at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
According to Secretary Vilsack: “The investments announced will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertiliser production, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”
USDA invests $207m in renewable energy projects
