The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is accepting applications under its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service for FY 2017. This cycle, REAP has two funding opportunities: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance, and Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants.

The goal of the program is to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs with the use of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency programs. Eligible renewable energy systems that qualify under the REAP program include wind, solar, renewable biomass including anaerobic digesters, small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal and hydrogen.

Applications for grants requesting $20,000 or less are due by 4:30 pm local time on October 31, 2016 or 4:30 pm local time on March 31, 2017. Applications for funds exceeding 20,000 are due March 31, 2016. Click here for more information.