Published: October 19, 2009 06:08 pm      

Rocky Face business benefits from rural development grant

Carlock Farms in Rocky Face will receive $17,263 for poultry house upgrades as part of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects funded through USDA Rural Development.

“These funds are for projects that will be good for farmers and good for the environment,” said Shirley Sherrod, state director for USDA Rural Development.

Funds are through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. The maximum grant for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects is 25 percent of eligible project costs.

More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

Funding for fiscal year 2010 has not yet been approved. Three free workshops will be held in October in Thomasville (Oct. 19), Americus (Oct. 26) and Statesboro (Oct. 27). Reservations are not required. For more information, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ga.