Learn About Rural Energy Assistance Program at Upcoming Workshops
Learn About Rural Energy Assistance Program at Upcoming Workshops
4/9/09
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 175
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Farmers and other rural business owners who are considering using alternative energy or undertaking energy conservation practices at their farms or businesses can learn about U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and grants for these projects by attending a free workshop set for two Michigan locations.
“Opportunities in Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy for Agricultural and Rural Businesses,” will be held on April 22 in Ithaca at the RESD Center, 1131 E. Center St., and repeated April 23 in Lapeer at the Mayfield Township Hall, 1900 N. Saginaw Road. Both sessions will begin at 7 p.m.
The program will include an overview of current and future energy policies affecting farms and rural communities and a look at the Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP). There will be information about the REAP grant process and where to find help in completing a REAP grant proposal.
Presenters from Michigan State University (MSU) will discuss the university’s farm energy audit program. Producers who request the audit for their operations can discover potential cost savings by changing practices or installing energy-efficient products on their farms.
Participants can also learn about grant opportunities that are available to help offset the investments in wind turbines, the key factors that influence turbine investment decisions and how they can explore the potential for a wind turbine on their farms through the MSU Anemometer Loan Program.
“Opportunities in Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy for Agricultural and Rural Businesses,” is sponsored by MSU, Michigan Farm Bureau and the USDA Rural Development Program.
There is no registration fee. To learn more, contact Steve Harsh, MSU professor of agricultural, food and resource economics, at 517-353-4518 or by e-mail at harsh@msu.edu.
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