TOPEKA –Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced grants for more than 900 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across the country to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations, including two area farmers. Vilsack made the announcement as part of President Obama’s rural economic bus tour in the Midwest where today he highlighted efforts underway to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, which will increase the economic competitiveness of rural America and promote job creation.
“These investments enable our farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners to develop renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements that will save them thousands of dollars in energy costs each year,” Vilsack said. “This funding is an important part of the Obama Administration’s plan to conserve natural resources, create jobs and lead our country on the path to becoming more energy independent.”
The grants are being provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a 2008 Farm Bill initiative. REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.  These federal funds leverage other funding sources for small businesses. In all, USDA announced more than $11.6 million in energy grants today. 
The REAP program is helping many agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption. 
“USDA Rural Development assists rural Kansas businesses and agricultural producers invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency systems for their businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program,” stated USDA Rural Development State Director Patty Clark.  “I am delighted that USDA is able to provide grant funds to these innovative Kansas producers and businesses that are looking for creative ways to decrease their use of traditional energy sources.”
Kansas REAP Grant Recipients
Kansas had 23 projects receive REAP grant funding that totaled $181,614.
The Golden Belt area falls under the Hays USDA Rural Development Area Office and the following area agricultural producers received grants to convert their diesel or natural gas irrigation engine to an electric motor with variable frequency drive to reduce energy consumption and improve water efficiency: Robert Hammeke, Rozel, $5,856; and Glenn Eitel, Dighton, $7,346
Funding of each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. Grants can finance up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $500,000 for renewables, $250,000 for efficiency.  For a complete listing of Rural Energy for America Program grant recipients announced today, please click here.
Today’s announcement is an example of investments the Obama Administration is making to help create jobs and grow the rural economy.  In June, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the first White House Rural Council, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The White House Rural Council will work throughout government to create policies to promote economic prosperity and a high quality of life in our rural communities.
Tuesday, President Obama hosted the White House Rural Economic Forum at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa. The Forum brought together farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations, and government officials to discuss ideas and initiatives to promote economic growth, accelerate hiring, and spur innovation in rural communities nationwide.  The President engaged directly with a variety of rural leaders from across the nation to discuss the importance of growing small businesses and strengthening the middle class in rural America.
Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America’s rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.
For additional information regarding this and other USDA Rural Development programs visit the Agency’s website www.rurdev.usda.gov/KS, or call the Agency’s state office at 785-271-2700.