USDA Works To Cut Energy Costs For Farmers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers for funding to make energy efficiency improvements or to install renewable energy systems.

The funding announced is being provided through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Investments from programs like REAP help support the true engine of America's economic growth, a thriving middle class.

REAP funding has helped farmers expand renewable energy use in recent years. The new Census of Agriculture shows the number of farms using renewable energy production has doubled in the last 5 years.

More than 57,000 farms reported using a renewable energy system in 2012, while 23,451 operations reported doing so in 2007.