05.05.14

Hoeven: USDA Accepting Applications to Help Rural Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Cut Energy Costs

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help rural small businesses and producers to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems. USDA plans to award up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees.

“REAP grants and loans help rural communities and agriculture producers cut their energy costs while improving efficiency,” said Hoeven. “Our farmers and ranchers do a tremendous job providing food, fuel and fiber for our nation and this program will help them lower their operating costs and improve their bottom lines.”

Senator Hoeven served as a member of the House/Senate farm bill conference committee and worked to pass a strong farm bill to provide North Dakota farmers and ranchers with enhanced crop insurance, while saving $23 billion. Hoeven also worked to support the REAP provisions to help rural communities. The farm bill reauthorized REAP, a program that began in 2008.

Hoeven also serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, where he works to support funding for programs that meet the needs of North Dakota farmers, such as crop research, including specialty crops, rural development and education and extension services.

Information on how to apply for REAP funding and application deadlines is available here.