Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant
The purpose of the REAP grant, available through the USDA, is to encourage renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects. Applications are commonly for
new grain dryers, irrigation systems, solar panels, animal housing upgrades. Contact EIM now if you want to purchase equipment this year (2013.)
Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Applications
The USDA just announced that they are accepting VAPG applications with an “estimated program funding of approximately $10.5 million in carry over funding from fiscal year 2013. The primary objective of the VAPG program is to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain, as defined in the Program Regulation. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.”
Program Status: OPEN.
Closing Date: February 24, 2014.
Anyone interested in submitting an application for funding under this program should contact EIM now. Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $200,000 for working capital grants. Cost Sharing Requirement: Cash or eligible in-kind matching funds equal to at least the amount of grant funds requested.
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